Ireland defender Diane Caldwell links up with Denise O'Sullivan at US champions North Carolina Courage

Republic of Ireland international defender Diane Caldwell has signed for NWSL title-holders North Carolina Courage ahead of the 2021 season.

The centre-half brings to an end a five-year stint with Bundesliga side SC Sand to return to the United States, nine years after completing her studies at Hofstra University.

She will link up with international teammate Denise O’Sullivan, who was voted the club’s MVP as they won back to back NWSL titles in 2018 and 2019.

Balbriggan native Caldwell has amassed 79 caps in 15 years as an Ireland international, scoring four times, including twice in the unsuccessful qualifying campaign for Euro 2022.

Caldwell played domestically with Raheny United before moving to New York as an 18-year-old, where she represented Hofstra University in football and field hockey.

The 32-year-old arrived in Germany in 2016 following stints in Iceland and Norway and spent a few months with Koln before linking up with future Ireland boss Colin Bell at Sand.

“Diane has the experience, intelligence, and positional ability to be a great professional in the NWSL,” said NC Courage head coach Paul Riley.

“She is a no-nonsense defender with excellent passing range and is a major threat on set pieces. She has the character and determination to be an immediate leader on our team.

“She is a super passionate professional who will embrace the Courage culture wholeheartedly.”