Jim Crawford hopes Ireland U-21s show same desire as ex-team-mate Alan Shearer

Crawford crossed paths with Shearer during his time at Newcastle

Alan Shearer's ultra-competitive attitude is what Ireland under-21 boss Jim Crawford wants to see his own players develop.

Crawford played alongside the prolific Shearer when they were at Newcastle United together.

And the Dubliner, who was recently appointed to replace Stephen Kenny following his promotion to the Ireland senior hot-seat, has never forgotten the desire that was always evident in the former England striker's game. 

"The message I would give a player is that they have to constantly challenge themselves," said Crawford. 

"I saw it first-hand playing at Newcastle with Alan Shearer, whether it was 5-a-side, 7-a-side or 11-a-side training games he always wanted to score goals. 

"That stuck with me, so I would say to players, ‘always challenge yourselves’. 

"If a coach asks to work on body shape or having a positive first touch, go and work on it in training because it soon becomes a habit and you can then take it onto the pitch. 

"If you’re with your under-23s team over in the UK  and you’re pulling up trees week-in-week out, you’ve got to challenge yourself and say ‘look, do I need to go out on loan?'."

In a Coaches' Insight interview for the FAI, Crawford said that there are a host of managers he's worked under that he's gained inspiration from.

"I’ve worked under Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Tommy Burns – with his passion and knowledge of the game," said the 47-year-old.

"Then in Ireland I worked under Pat Fenlon and I took a lot from his man management, and there’s Paul Doolin and Stephen Kenny who I’ve learned a lot from, too.

"To extend this, in my former role as a coach educator I’ve gained a lot from talking to coaches on pro-licence courses. So I wouldn’t say there’s one person, it’s more like a group of people who have lit my flame."

Asked what team from the past that he would have liked to have coached, Crawford pointed to the Ireland side that created history by qualifying for Euro '88.

"I would have loved to have been involved when they beat England – I can only imagine the jubilation," Crawford said.

"If you look at the players in that team like Paul McGrath and Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton - they were outstanding players. 

"It was an iconic result against a great England team and to be part of the group, that brought the country to a standstill, would have been a fantastic experience."  

A skilful and tenacious midfielder in his own right, Crawford's coaching CV has included an assistant coaching role with the Ireland under-19s and under-21s (under Kenny), and as the Republic's under-18 head coach.  

"You look at the likes of Troy Parrott and Lee O’Connor becoming senior internationals and, whilst I had a small part to play, I still take incredible pride from it," he admitted.