Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17s set to take on Finland

The Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17s travel to Helsinki to play Finland in two friendly games that act as preparation for their upcoming qualifiers.

Dave Bell's squad have their sights set on three UEFA European Championship First Round qualifiers against Belarus, Faroe Islands and Iceland in October, but this friendly double-header will help get them started.

"We had a really good test against Northern Ireland Under 19s recently and this will be another important set of games for us as we start again with a new group," said Bell.

"Finland will be a strong side, but it's really about how we perform. We want to see how the team competes because it can be a big jump up to Under 17 level for some of the younger players.

"We have three players in Tiegan Ruddy, Sadhbh Doyle and Heather Payne who are the most experienced in the squad and I would hope that they can help the younger players come along.

"These two games against Finland come before we host three UEFA qualifiers in October, which will hopefully be in Cork, and we want to prepare as best as we can and make the most of these tests."

Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17 Squad
Goalkeepers: Erica Turner, Rachael Kelly (Shelbourne Ladies)
Defenders: Aoife Lynagh, Lucia Lobato (Salthill Devon), Harriet Lambe (Southampton), Lauryn Grier (Kentstown Rovers), Sadhbh Doyle, Rachel Baynes (Galway WFC), Katie Burdis (Shelbourne Ladies), Tara Mannix (Regional United)
Midfielders: Tiegan Ruddy, Doireann Fahey (Peamount United), Alannah McEvoy (Enniskerry), Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Megan Mackey (Chelsea), Danielle McDevitt (Donegal Town)
Forwards: Heather Payne (Peamount United), Isibeal Carolan (Enniskerry), Amy Boyle Carr (Donegal Town), Carla McManus (Bealnamulla)

Wednesday, September 7
Finland WU18 v Republic of Ireland WU17 - Helsinki, KO 15:00

Friday, September 9
Finland WU18 v Republic of Ireland WU17 - Helsinki, KO 13:00