NINE YOUNG FOOTBALLERS have received call-ups to the Ireland senior women’s squad for the first time.
The Girls in Green head to Wales for a training camp this week, where they will play two challenge matches against the Welsh this Friday and Saturday.
Manager Sue Ronan has opted to name only Irish and English-based players in a 22-strong panel with several of the U17 team that played at the 2015 Uefa European Championships included.
Niamh Prior, Roma McLaughlin, Saoirse Noonan and Chloe Moloney were all part of Dave Connell’s side in Iceland last year, while Tiegan Ruddy, Leanne Kiernan, Amber Barrett, Niamh Farrelly and Sadbh Doyle also get the chance to impress.
“There is no doubt we have many exciting players in our underage squads who I feel have the ability to be the future of the national team,” said Ronan.
This camp gives me and my coaching staff the perfect opportunity to get a closer look at our young players and assess where they’re at in their development.
“The step up to senior international football is a huge one so we need to be patient with these young girls.
However the camp, as well as the two challenge matches against Wales, means they can experience the level without any pressure, while training and playing alongside experienced players like Niamh Fahey, Karen Duggan, Stephanie Roche and Julie-Ann Russell will help immensely with their development.
“The games will also give me the opportunity to have a closer look at other home-based players like Noelle Murray and Jetta Berrill who have done really well at club level.
“I’m really looking forward to the camp and to see whether any of the players will be able to force their way into the squad for the upcoming game against Portugal at Tallaght Stadium in September.”
Ireland, who are unable to qualify for next year’s Uefa European Championships as they sit four points off second place with just one game remaining, finish their qualifying campaign at home to Portugal on 20 September.
Goalkeepers: Niamh Reid-Burke (Shelbourne Ladies FC), Grace Maloney (Reading FCW)
Defenders: Jetta Berrill (UCD Waves), Meabh De Burca (Galway WFC), Sophie Perry (Reading FCW), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea WFC), Chloe Moloney (Galway WFC), Sadbh Doyle (Salthill Devon), Niamh Prior (UCD Waves)
Midfielders: Siobhan Killeen (Shelbourne Ladies FC), Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Tiegan Ruddy, Niamh Farrelly, Roma McLaughlin (Peamount United WFC), Saoirse Noonan (Cork City WFC), Emma Beckett (London Bees), Julie-Ann Russell (UCD Waves), Katie McCabe (Arsenal Ladies)
Forwards: Leanne Kiernan, Noelle Murray (Shelbourne Ladies FC), Stephanie Roche (Sunderland WFC), Amber Barrett (Peamount United WFC)
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This lad is the real deal..hard to believe he’s 24 years of age..a rapid enough rise to international rugby,but is just what was needed…he’s here for the long haul to if he stays injury free..definitely will start with the lions..
Haha 11 starts for Ireland and he “Definitely ” will start for the lions! Will ye ease off and see is he good enough at least after the 6N.
Absolutely Furlong is the real deal but expect Cole to start with Furlong more explosive off the bench.
@Kevin O’brien: Itoje is pretty much a definite for the Lions. He’s only played 7 times for England.
A big six nations to follow on from the autumn series and we’ve another legend in the mix.
A few years ago I watched as he destroyed a huge AB loose head in the junior world cup. I think for most people who watched that game his rise to the top is no surprise. I also believe Mike Ross has been a superb mentor at Leinster and he will have benefited hugely from his input.