Littlejohn, Fahey and Payne drafted into Ireland team for Euro playoff final

TEAM NAMED: Ruesha Littlejohn, Niamh Fahey and Heather Payne have been brought into the Ireland team for tonight’s Women’s Euro playoff final, first leg against Wales in Cardiff (7.15pm).

Ruesha Littlejohn, Niamh Fahey and Heather Payne have been brought into the Ireland team for tonight’s Women’s Euro playoff final, first leg against Wales in Cardiff (7.15pm).

Aoife Mannion’s injury created a space among the back-three to fill, with manager Eileen Gleeson favouring Fahey over Megan Connolly.

The latter might also have occupied a midfield berth but that’s gone to Littlejohn, the 34-year-old veteran. She will partner Denise O’Sullivan and Lily Agg is what appears to be a packed midfield.

Payne also comes in, selected ahead of Abbie Larkin for right wing-back responsibilities. Captain Katie McCabe will patrol the opposite flank.

The second leg takes place on Tuesday at Lansdowne Road, from which the winner will advance to next July’s Euro finals in Switzerland.

WALES: O Clark; R Roberts, H Ladd, G Evans; C Holland, A James, A Griffiths, L Woodham; J Fishlock, R Rowe; F Morgan.

IRELAND: C Brosnan; H Payne, C Hayes, N Fahey, A Patten, K McCabe: D O’Sullivan, R Littlejohn, L Agg; JA Russell, K Carusa

Referee: Maria Caputi ITA