Eight Women's National League players in Ireland squad to face Scotland
Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
Eight Women's National League players have been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad to face Scotland at Stark Park in Kircaldy on Friday, July 7th.
Shelbourne trio Roma McLaughlin, Alex Kavanagh and Leanne Kiernan are joined by UCD Waves' Karen Duggan, Dearbhaile Beirne and Aine O'Gorman in the youthful squad.
Peamount United's Heather Payne and Amanda Budden of Cork City have also been named by manager Colin Bell as he finishes preparation for the World Cup qualifying campaign starting in September.
It's a cosmopolitan squad comprising players plying their trade in five countries, including eight from the English Super League, but Sunderland striker Steph Roche misses out through injury.
Manchester City duo Marie Hourihan and Megan Campbell make the cut, as do Arsenal pair Katie McCabe and Louise Quinn and Niamh Fahey of Chelsea in a side stacked with professionals.
“It is the final game before we start our World Cup qualification campaign so it is important we continue to improve on the form we’ve shown this year,” Bell told the FAI's website.
“I was really impressed with the spirit and determination shown against a strong Iceland side in difficult conditions and I’ll be looking for the same qualities in Scotland for what should be another difficult test.
“Scotland are currently in a pre-European Championships camp whilst our players will be coming back from holiday.
“The individual responsibility of my players will be vital and I’ve every confidence that the players will be well prepared for the game.
“We’ve brought Ruesha Littlejohn back into the squad as well as Leanne Kiernan.
“We’ve got to assess Stephanie’s fitness ahead of the match considering her injury in the final game of the season and a decision will be made in due course.”
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Emma Byrne (Brighton and Hove Albion), Amanda Budden (Cork City WFC).
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Reading WFC), Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal Ladies), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea WFC), Megan Campbell (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O’Sullivan (Houston Dash), Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Stephanie Roche (Sunderland Ladies), Alex Kavanagh (Shelbourne Ladies).
Forwards: Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves), Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Heather Payne (Peamount United), Katie McCabe (Arsenal Ladies).
