'Purely on player welfare': Hopcroft called up to Ireland squad but O'Sullivan forced to wait

The Girls in Green take on Kazakhstan over two legs.

Ireland head coach Carla Ward. Pic: INPHO/Nick Elliott

Crystal Palace midfielder Shanade Hopcroft is a surprise inclusion in Carla Ward's Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Kazakhstan.

The 28-year-old is eligible through her grandmother, who hails from Sligo.