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).
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
