Senior international Tyler Toland selected in strong U17 qualifying squad

Days after making her senior international debut in the World Cup qualifying win over Northern Ireland, Tyler Toland has been selected in Colin Bell's under-17 squad for UEFA European Championship qualifying.

The 16-year-old St Johnstone native became one of the youngest players to take the field for her country when she was introduced in the dying minutes of Tuesday's 2-0 win in Mourneview Park.

The Maiden City midfielder joins a primarily home-based squad that features a number of players with Women's National League experience, including five Shelbourne players.

Eight of the squad that qualified for and competed in the final tournament last year have been retained for this cycle, which sees Ireland face Bosnia & Herzegovina, Romania and Greece.

Ireland kick off their campaign against hosts Bosnia at the BH Football Centre in Zenica on Sunday afternoon before facing Romania and Greece next week.

"We are looking forward to the challenge,” Bell told the association's official website.

“We had the training camp that included games against the Czech Republic and there were plenty of positives to take from it.

“When we arrive in Bosnia we only have two training sessions before the first match so it is not a lot of time. We need to work on our game plan and make sure we minimise any mistakes."

"It is a bonus that eight of the squad were involved in the Finals tournament last year so they know what it takes to qualify.

“However, it also means that more than half the squad were not there last year so they will need to adapt to the new level quickly. We are ready for the challenge.”

Republic of Ireland under-17 squad:

Goalkeepers: Rachel Kelly (Shelbourne Ladies), Courtney Maguire (Cabinteely)

Defenders: Leah Brady (Lucan United), Eabha O'Mahony (Lakewood), Roisin McGovern (UCD Waves), Doireann Fahey (Peamount United), Rachel O'Regan (Carrigaline), Harriet Lambe (Yeovil Town)

Midfielders: Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Megan Mackey (Chelsea Ladies), Ciara Fowler (Home Farm), Jessica Ziu, Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne Ladies), Aoife Slattery (Ferrybank), Amy Boyle Carr (Sion Swifts)

Forwards: Alannah McEvoy, Emily Whelan (Shelbourne Ladies), Andrea Trill (Cregmore Galway), Zara Foley (Lakewood), Louise Masterson (Peamount United).

Fixtures:

Sunday, September 24: Republic of Ireland v Bosnia and Herzegovina, BH Football Centre, KO 15:00

Wednesday, September 27: Republic of Ireland v Romania, BH Football Centre, KO 10:00

Saturday, September 30: Greece v Republic of Ireland, Miadost Stadium, KO 15:00