Republic of Ireland Women’s Caretaker Manager Tom O’Connor has named a 20-player squad for their first EURO 2021 Qualifier against Montenegro.
Ireland’s first Qualifier of the campaign sees Montenegro travel to Tallaght Stadium on 3 September, with O’Connor’s side looking to start their campaign with a valuable win.
Glasgow City’s Clare Shine and Florentia’s Stephanie Roche receive their first call-ups since 2017 while Tyler Toland and Denise O’Sullivan return to the squad having missed the USA friendly in California earlier this month.
O’Connor has said it’s an honour to take charge of the team for the first time, on home soil.
“I’m really looking forward to it. We had a brilliant few days in America, but this is the game we have targeted. We’re looking forward to playing Montenegro,” he told fai.ie.
O’Connor is thrilled to have Toland and O’Sullivan back in the squad.
“Denise is one of the best players the country has ever produced. She is brilliant week in and week out in America, and Tyler will really make an impact for us.”
O’Connor sees the return of Shine and Roche to the squad as a boost to his attacking options.
“Clare and Steph have both been around the squad through the years. Clare is back fully fit, while Steph is in good form in Italy. They will be great to have around, both on and off the pitch.”
Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (SC Braga), Grace Moloney (Reading)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Claire O’Riordan (MSV Duisburg), Eabha O’Mahony (Cork City)
Midfielders: Tyler Toland (Manchester City), Claire Walsh (Peamount United), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Peamount United), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Jess Gargan (Shelbourne)
Forwards: Amber Barrett (FC Köln), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Heather Payne (Florida State University), Clare Shine (Glasgow City), Stephanie Roche (CF Florentia)
