Vera Pauw names Ireland squad for World Cup training camp

Defender Aoife Mannion is the notable absence from the squad having picked up an injury in training for her club Manchester United recently

Fri, 09 Jun, 2023 - 13:12

TJ Galvin

Ireland manager Vera Pauw has named her squad for a World Cup training camp in Dublin to continue preparations for the Women's World Cup.

Defender Aoife Mannion is the notable absentee from the squad having picked up an injury in training for her club Manchester United recently. Her progress is being monitored.

Pauw doesn’t yet have fears about Mannion’s availability for the tournament, despite her leg being in a brace as United’s season recently ended.

“Aoife is seeing a knee specialist on Monday and we will know more after that,” said Pauw.

“The vibes are positive that she’ll make this squad. The way it’s being brought to us is that it’s tight but possible."

There were concerns over Liverpool duo Leanne Kiernan and Niamh Fahey who have only recently returned from long-term injuries, as well as Lily Agg who tore ankle ligaments in March.

“We have a few issues, that’s why we have loaded the squad with 27 players. Leanne and Niamh are building up and Lily Agg is also fit.”

The training sessions will be split between UCD and the FAI National Training Centre over a four-week block.

Ireland will play three friendlies prior to the World Cup against Zambia (June 22), France (July 6) and Colombia (July 14) before their tournament kicks off on July 20 against co-hosts Australia.

Captain Katie McCabe along with three US-based players - Denise O'Sullivan, Sinead Farrelly and Marissa Sheva - will link up with the squad after the Zambia game.

“Katie will come into the squad on June 19 or 23,” she said. “We don’t know yet; that date is being dealt with between the European Clubs Association and FIFA.

“The plan is for Katie not to play (against Zambia) but with Katie you never know. We will have to see her.”

Four players from the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division are part of the group, including uncapped Erin McLaughlin.

A final squad for the World Cup, consisting of 23 players, will be whittled down by June 29 ahead of the send-off game in Tallaght Stadium against France. The squad will then depart for Australia on July 7.

Ireland WNT Squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes).

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Áine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Megan Campbell (Liverpool), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Tara O'Hanlon (Peamount United).

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Sinead Farrelly (NY/NJ Gotham), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Erin McLaughlin (Peamount United).

Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers), Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Potsdam Turbine), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Saoirse Noonan (Durham WFC).

Additional reporting by John Fallon