Carla Ward has named her first ever Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the start of their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign.
There is a first call up for 22-year-old Mel Filis after she received FIFA international clearance. The attacking midfielder currently plies her trade for Barclays Championship side Charlton Athletic. Birmingham City’s Lucy Quinn returns to the fold while Ruesha Littlejohn and Grace Moloney retain their spots despite currently being unattached.
Ireland remain without Louise Quinn, Tara O’Hanlon, Lilly Agg, Jamie Finn and Jess Ziu through injury while Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell recently announced their retirement from international football.
With the arrival of Ward, there have also been changes behind the scenes. Alan Mahon has been appointed as Assistant Head Coach while Emma Byrne continues as Goalkeeping Coach as does Ivi Casagrande as Performance Coach. Amber Whiteley will join as Assistant Coach while continuing her role as assistant to Matt Beard at Liverpool.
The Republic of Ireland open their League B Group 2 campaign against Türkiye at Tallaght Stadium on Friday 21 February. They will then travel to Koper to face Slovenia on Tuesday 25 February.
