Uncapped Maria Reynolds one of three changes to Ireland women's squad

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: Maria Reynolds has been called up to the Ireland squad. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.

Carla Ward has been forced into three changes to her Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualification double-header against Poland, handing a first senior call-up to Maria Reynolds of Shamrock Rovers.

The defender is one of three newcomers, along with Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne) and Jamie Finn (Sunderland).

They replace the injured trio of Lily Agg (Achilles), Jessie Stapleton (calf) and Aoibhe Brennan (ankle).

Narrow 2-1 defeats to top seeds France and Netherlands in last month’s opening pair of qualifiers exerts pressure on Ireland to accrue results in the games being played in Gdansk on Tuesday, April 14 and Lansdowne Road five days later.

While Ireland are already assured of entry into the playoffs for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, finishing above closest rivals Poland in the table after six games would clinch a smoother path through the convoluted two-tie series. Poland’s draw against the Dutch last month provides them with an early advantage.

Brennan’s enforced withdrawal is particularly disappointing as she was the sole home-based player called into the initial panel.

Bohemians boss Alan Murphy said: “Aoibhe is obviously gutted to have to pull out of the squad. This is a cruel blow but she is 18 years of age, has her whole future ahead of her, and her chance will come again.

“The fact that she was the only League of Ireland-based player included in the squad in the first place is testament to her ability, and deserved recognition of her hard work and the rapid progress she has made in such a short space of time.

“Bohs fans will know the impact she makes for us week in and week out, as well as scoring in two cup finals last year for us.

“We’re naturally all feeling Aoibhe’s pain this week but the sky is the limit for her. We look forward to her inclusion in Ireland senior squads again in the not-too-distant future.” The squad will report for international duty on Wednesday to begin preparations at the FAI National Training Centre for the two vital fixtures.

Ireland women’s squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton FC), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Sunderland).

Defenders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal FC), Anna Patten (Aston Villa FC), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Maria Reynolds (Shamrock Rovers), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest).

Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (Liverpool), Tyler Toland (Durham), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Crystal Palace), Jess Ziu (West Ham United), Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne) and Jamie Finn (Sunderland).

Forwards: Saoirse Noonan (Celtic FC), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Nottingham Forest - loan), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current - loan), Amber Barrett (Strasbourg).

Women’s World Cup qualifiers

Tuesday, April 14: Poland v Ireland, Gdansk Stadium (KO 5pm Irish time)

Saturday April 18: Ireland vs. Poland, Aviva Stadium (KO 3pm).