Big guns are back as Girls in Green set sights on history

By Alyce Collett 22/11/24

Above: The Republic of Ireland line up for the anthem. Photo: FAI official media.

The Republic of Ireland have named their squad for a huge December international window, in which they look to create history and qualify for a first ever Euros tournament. 

The squad is largely the same as the one that comfortably delt with Georgia in the last window, but a few key faces are back in the squad after recovering from injuries. 

Defender Megan Campbell and midfielders Megan Connolly and Ruesha Littlejohn are all back in the squad, and their inclusion will provide flexibility for Eileen Gleeson and her coaching staff, and free team mates up like captain Katie McCabe to be more dangerous and influential closer to goal.

The big name missing from this squad though is Louise Quinn, who misses through injury. However, with the likes of Caitlin Hayes and Anna Patten now in the squad, Quinn’s absence is not as disastrous for the Girls in Green as it has been in the past. 

Lucy Quinn and Ellen Molloy are some others who have also not been named in the squad because of injury. 

The one surprise omission from the squad though is Saoirse Noonan, with the Celtic striker surprisingly not rewarded for her strong start to the domestic season with her new club. 

The Republic of Ireland will kick off their two legged play off tie with Wales in Wales on Friday November 29 local time, before returning home to Dublin and to the Aviva Stadium the following Tuesday local time. 

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD VS WALES 

Euro2025 Playoffs Round 2

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic)

Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland), Diane Caldwell (Zurich FC), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), RueshaLittlejohn (London City Lionesses), Heather Payne (Everton), Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Femina), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United)

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