King names squad for Women's Euro qualifier

Republic of Ireland manager Noel King has named a squad of 17 players for the European Women's Championship qualifier against Bosnia Herzegovenia on May 18.

King is optimistic about the Republic’s chances of success in a group which also includes Croatia, Romania, Romania and Malta.

Ireland have yet to qualify to play in UEFA Category 1 since the introduction of two categories some years ago but following an extensive recruitment drive for players King said the Republic have never been better placed to make the breakthrough this time.

Sharon Boyle (Shamrock Rovers), Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Marie Curtin (Lifford), Stefanie Curtis (Bristol Rovers), Ronnie Gibbons (Fulham), Ciara Grant (Arsenal), Laura Hislop (Predators FC, Belfast), Sonya Hughes (Predators FC, Belfast), Jennifer Kett (Christian Brothers Univ., Memphis), Grainne Kierans (Charlton Athletic), Michele O’Brien (Arsenal), Elaine O’Connor (Hofstra Univ., New York), Olivia O’Toole (Shamrock Roves), Claire Scanlan (Leeds United), Denise Thomas (Central Connecticut State Univ., USA), Caroline Thorpe (Leeds United), Yvonne Treacy (Arsenal).