Connell names 20 players squad for under-19 games against Italy

Republic of Ireland under-19 Women's manager Dave Connell has named a 20-player squad for the upcoming double header against Italy in Rome.

16 of the 20 players play with Women’s National League clubs, with seven representatives from Galway Women, four from DLR Waves, two from Shelbourne and Wexford Youths and one from Kilkenny United.

WNL Goalkeeper of the year Erica Turner is included as are Sion Swift’s Amy Boyle-Carr, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Megan Mackey and Ciara Fowler who is currently unattached to a club.

Tiegan Ruddy misses out through injury but making up the squad and receiving her first international call-up is Kelly Brady who plays for American side World Class.

The trip to Italy is part of Ireland’s preparation for the Elite Round of the European Championships in April, where they will face Spain, Serbia and Hungary.

In their Qualifying Round group, Ireland had 100% record from their three games, scoring 13 and conceding none as they beat Lithuania 7-0, Faroe Islands 3-0 and Ukraine 3-0. 

"We're really looking forward to testing ourselves against Italy and it should provide a valuable test with the qualifiers coming up in April,” said Connell. 

"We're delighted to welcome Kelly Brady to the squad, her first call-up in international football, and the two friendlies will give me a great opportunity to use the full squad.

"It's important every player is working towards their very best with the Elite Round coming up in April. 

“We've got fantastic competition for places with so many players playing so well across the Women's National League. 



"These two games will give the players a real opportunity to cement their place in that Elite Round squad as we look forward to having a successful 2019," Connell explained. 

Republic of Ireland WU19 Squad

Goalkeepers: Erica Turner (DLR Waves), Rachael Kelly (Shelbourne)
Defenders: Sadhbh Doyle (Galway Women's), Roisin McGovern (DLR Waves), Rachel Baynes (Galway Women's), Doireann Fahey (Wexford Youths), Aoife Slattery (Wexford Youths), Leah Brady (Galway Women's), Katie Burdis (DLR Waves)
Midfielders: Lucia Lobato (Galway Women's), Megan Mackey (Brighton & Hove Albion), Chloe Singleton (Galway Women's), Aoife Thompson (Galway Women's), Amy Boyle-Carr (Sion Swifts), Sinead Donovan (Galway Women's)
Forwards: Ciara Fowler (unattached), Alannah McEvoy (Shelbourne), Carla McManus (Kilkenny United), Keelin McEntee (DLR Waves), Kelly Brady (World Class)

Fixtures - International Friendlies
17/01: Italy v Republic of Ireland, Olympic Center Giulio Onesti, Rome, 1.30pm (2.30pm local time)
19/01: Italy v Republic of Ireland, Olympic Center Giulio Onesti, Rome, 10am (11am local time)