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Roma McLaughlin, Saoirse Noonan and Chloe Moloney all starred for Ireland's U17s at the 2015 European Championships. James Crombie/INPHO
Next generation

Youth given a chance to impress as 9 new faces named in Ireland senior women's squad

The Girls in Green head to Wales and play two challenge matches later this week.

NINE YOUNG FOOTBALLERS have received call-ups to the Ireland senior women’s squad for the first time.

The Girls in Green head to Wales for a training camp this week, where they will play two challenge matches against the Welsh this Friday and Saturday.

Manager Sue Ronan has opted to name only Irish and English-based players in a 22-strong panel with several of the U17 team that played at the 2015 Uefa European Championships included.

Niamh Prior, Roma McLaughlin, Saoirse Noonan and Chloe Moloney were all part of Dave Connell’s side in Iceland last year, while Tiegan Ruddy, Leanne Kiernan, Amber Barrett, Niamh Farrelly and Sadbh Doyle also get the chance to impress.

“There is no doubt we have many exciting players in our underage squads who I feel have the ability to be the future of the national team,” said Ronan.

This camp gives me and my coaching staff the perfect opportunity to get a closer look at our young players and assess where they’re at in their development.

“The step up to senior international football is a huge one so we need to be patient with these young girls.

However the camp, as well as the two challenge matches against Wales, means they can experience the level without any pressure, while training and playing alongside experienced players like Niamh Fahey, Karen Duggan, Stephanie Roche and Julie-Ann Russell will help immensely with their development.

“The games will also give me the opportunity to have a closer look at other home-based players like Noelle Murray and Jetta Berrill who have done really well at club level.

“I’m really looking forward to the camp and to see whether any of the players will be able to force their way into the squad for the upcoming game against Portugal at Tallaght Stadium in September.”

Ireland, who are unable to qualify for next year’s Uefa European Championships as they sit four points off second place with just one game remaining, finish their qualifying campaign at home to Portugal on 20 September.

Goalkeepers: Niamh Reid-Burke (Shelbourne Ladies FC), Grace Maloney (Reading FCW)

Defenders: Jetta Berrill (UCD Waves), Meabh De Burca (Galway WFC), Sophie Perry (Reading FCW), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea WFC), Chloe Moloney (Galway WFC), Sadbh Doyle (Salthill Devon), Niamh Prior (UCD Waves)

Midfielders: Siobhan Killeen (Shelbourne Ladies FC), Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Tiegan Ruddy, Niamh Farrelly, Roma McLaughlin (Peamount United WFC), Saoirse Noonan (Cork City WFC), Emma Beckett (London Bees), Julie-Ann Russell (UCD Waves), Katie McCabe (Arsenal Ladies)

Forwards: Leanne Kiernan, Noelle Murray (Shelbourne Ladies FC), Stephanie Roche (Sunderland WFC), Amber Barrett (Peamount United WFC)

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