Vera Pauw calls up Katie McCabe despite injury scare

Katie McCabe has been included in the Ireland squad for their upcoming friendlies with world number one ranked side United States.

Vera Pauw’s side continue their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer with the first of two games against the four-time world champions coming on April 8t in Austin, Texas before they travel to Missouri on April 11^th.

Ireland captain McCabe was an injury doubt after leaving the Emirates Stadium in a protective boot and crutches following Arsenal’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich midweek.

It means the Dubliner remains on course to add to her sequence of 63 Ireland appearances, a run which stretches back seven years.

Pauw has also handed maiden senior call ups for Lews goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse, Peamount United defender Tara O’Hanlon and Shamrock Rovers attacker Alannah McEvoy.

Whitehouse qualifies through her Dublin-born mother and was called up having excelled in the US college system before moving to England where she took in spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City and Bristol City before joining English Championship side Lewes in 2022.

Niamh Fahey, Chloe Mustaki, Ellen Molloy, Jess Ziu and Leanne Kiernan are ruled out through injury while long throw specialist Megan Campbell is unavailable.

Jessie Stapleton has been recalled while there are five WNL representatives.

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes)

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Jessie Stapleton (Shelbourne), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Tara O’Hanlon (Peamount United), Áine O’Gorman (Shamrock Rovers)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Roma McLaughlin (Fortuna Hjorring).

Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers), Amber Barrett (Potsdam Turbine), Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Alannah McEvoy (Shamrock Rovers).