TEENAGER JESSICA ZIU is in line to make her international debut when Republic of Ireland round off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Northern Ireland at Tallaght Stadium next week.
The 16-year-old Shelbourne striker has been rewarded for an impressive debut season in the Women’s National League with a first call-up to Colin Bell’s senior squad for the final Group 3 fixture on Friday 31 August [5.30pm].
Ziu, who has represented Ireland at U16 and U17 level, is named in the 18-player panel for the visit of Northern Ireland to Tallaght, while Bristol City’s Heather Payne returns from injury.
Player of the year Harriet Scott, who has recently moved to Birmingham City, has also fully recovered from the injury which saw her miss out on the Norway qualifiers but Shelbourne goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan is ruled out through injury.
“Congratulations to Jessica Ziu on her first call-up to the senior team,” Bell said.
“She is someone who has really impressed me, having worked with her for the past 12 months. She has really progressed this season in the Women’s National League and in home-based training, and I believe she can really benefit from the week.”
After back-to-back defeats to Norway in June, Ireland can no longer qualify for next summer’s World Cup in France, with Bell’s side currently sitting third in Group 3.
“We’re looking to end the campaign on a high and it is vitally important we get a win in front of our supporters,” Bell added.
“We’ve had a fantastic campaign where we pushed two world-class teams in Norway and the Netherlands, and I’m delighted with how the team has developed during the course of qualifying.
“Whilst we can no longer qualify for the World Cup, every game at international level is important as we look to continue to progress ahead of the European Championships qualifying next year.”
Tickets for the match are currently on sale via Ticketmaster and are priced at €5 for adults, while U18s go free.
Ireland squad:
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Brighton and Hove Albion), Amanda Budden (Cork City).
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Heather Payne (Bristol City), Claire O’Riordan (MSV Duisberg)
Midfielders: Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Karen Duggan (Peamount United), Denise O’Sullivan (NC Courage), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne Ladies).
Forwards: Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Leanne Kiernan (West Ham), Amber Barrett (Peamount United), Aine O’Gorman (Peamount United), Jessica Ziu (Shelbourne Ladies).
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Fantastic excitement in televised darts. MVG is a beast.
Was really hoping for a come back, almost looked promising at one stage but sure look. Great to watch regardless
one of the most over rated sports ever, only reason people watch it is for a piss up
A game not a sport
I watched it sober Stilphil Brady.
do yout mean all people watching at home are having a piss up?
Darts is always a great way to finish off the Christmas break. Great darts this year. Hats off to Van Gerwen he’s a special player.
Jesus that was sick . Anderson could have went 3-1 up then bang he’s gone. Mvg is on fire , some darts
Even Taylor in his prime wouldn’t be able to live with this, well deserved title considering the year he had and would’ve been a travesty if he didn’t win it. Great effort by Gary Anderson also he is the only one that can worry MVG and he could still win another one or two.
I love Anderson but MVG really deserved it, unbeatable at the minute
Barney deserves a serious mention too, was truly heartbroken after the semi but the best man won in the end.
murt barney was feeling sorry for himself bit of a whinger in fairness (wonderful player)
Serious athletes
I assume you mean that as a joke? Haha
Your a top athlete yourself Gearoid,
The man is a machine
Bit like yourself ger
How athletic are you David? F*****g keyboard warrior!
I wouldn’t be an Olympian, but I can run a bit and lift a bit. You know, a reasonable level of fitness for an average thirty something male? Keeps the waist under the 34″
Plenty of ppl can lift doesn’t mean there athletes Dave.
Never claimed I was an athlete, I just insinuated that Darts players are not athletes. Darts is not a sport. It’s a game, albeit an entertaining one.
is it a shirt you lift David
Looking forward to Gerry Adams inevitably winning the junior B darts now on bbc…
Good old Wolfie
haha Gerry Adams,not on the BBC anymore im afraid.i think BT have it this year.
channel 4 for live afternoon coverage Glenn.
The lad that ran on stage and robbed the trophy was the highlight for me
He showed more athleticism than the two lads
He will have a sore jaw and ribs by the time those bouncers turfed him out the door
And rightly so. Tosser. Great match though.
Incredible that these lads get 350k for throwing a few sticks at a board. Anderson got a spanking in the game – but even so was laughing and joking away in a final, would never see a footballer happy with finishing 2nd on the World Cup/Euros. Not a sport, they are slobs.
And you’re an egg… You cracked wh**e like to see you be that accurate… Now off on the fitness regime your wife has you on and cycle to your rubbish job like the rest of us… They are no doubt laughing at you!
@An Ubh: Anderson laughing as hes good spirited and he knew he lost to the better player on the night would you prefer to see him bitter and resentful like yourself?. Throwing sticks is stupid description. If so isnt Soccer kicking a ball into a net, isnt formula one driving around in a ring isnt brain surgery just having a root around up there to remove the bad bits??. Can describe anything at all in a flippant way.
Great comment above me there, the egg is clearly a jealous imbecile
With finishing like mvg had he must have Tipperary blood , lethal finisher
Thanks Dave
Van Gerwan, is on PED’s. Look at the physique on him.
@Derek o keeffe: Agreed, think they made his hair fallout and do something to his voice too. Wonder if the Russian hackers will raid WADA files on himself & Taylor!!