Atkinson joins Crystal Palace, Blackburn snap up O'Riordan

Izzy Atkinson, who featured at last summer’s World Cup following a late call-up, has only played seven times for the struggling Hammers this term. 

ON THE MOVE: Izzy Atkinson poses for a portrait during a Republic of Ireland women's media conference at Castleknock Hotel in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy, Sportsfile

Ireland women’s international Izzy Atkinson has left English WSL outfit West Ham United to join promotion-chasing Crystal Palace.

The wide player, who featured at last summer’s World Cup following a late call-up, has only played seven times for the struggling Hammers this term. 

She began her UK journey at Celtic by transferring from Shelbourne in 2021.

Palace are two points off the summit of the Championship with a game in hand and the acquisition of Atkinson will boost their hopes of clinching the sole automatic promotion spot.

Some of her fellow Ireland internationals, frustrated at the lack of minutes, are likely to also secure switches before the transfer window closes next week.

Atkinson should be part of Eileen Gleeson’s first matches as permanent manager next month - the second of two friendlies confirmed as Wales at Tallaght on February 27 - but Louise Quinn could be a doubt.

The Birmingham City captain was taken off clutching her shoulder 34 minutes into last night’s Conti Cup win over West Ham.

Also on the move is Ireland U21 defender Connor O'Riordan, who is getting snapped up by Blackburn Rovers from Crewe Alexandra for £500,000. 

The centre-back last year declined an invite from Scotland to pledge his international allegiance to Ireland.