King calls up two players for UEFA women's qualifiers

Republic of Ireland Women's team manager Noel King has added defender Grace Murray (Dundalk City) and goalkeeper Catriona Connolly (Sligo IT) to his squad for Sunday’s UEFA Championship Qualification opener against Hungary at Tolka Park, kick-off 3pm.

Sat, 31 Mar, 2007 - 21:32

The pair have replaced the injured Sonya Hughes and Sarah Peters in the 18-player Irish panel for the crucial game which is the first of their eight competitive matches in the campaign.

Ireland are in Group 2 of the 2008 European Championship Qualifiers alongside Sweden, Italy, Hungary and Romania. They follow up tomorrow’s game with another home fixture, against Italy, on May 31st.

King said: “Hungary will be a massive challenge for the girls as they are physically a strong and technically good side. I expect them to come to Tolka and pass the ball around rather than having a direct style of play.

“We are an improving nation in Women’s football whereas they are on a bit of a downward slope. That doesn’t mean they will be easy opponents but I believe we have enough quality in our ranks to get the campaign off to a winning start.”

The the game was switched last week from the original venue of Richmond Park to Tolka Park because of the two fixtures being played by St. Patrick’s Athletic over a four-day period.

Republic of Ireland Squad:

Emma Byrne - Arsenal FC

Niamh Fahy - Salthill Devon

Susan Byrne - St.Johns University, NY

Alisha Moran - NY Athletic Club

Sharon Boyle - Raheny United

Marie Curtin - Hofstra University

Diane Caldwell - Hofstra University

Elaine O’Connor - Long Island Fury

Ciara Grant - Arsenal FC

Grace Murray - Dundalk City

Stephanie Curtis - Bristol Academy