Ireland squad update: Niamh Fahey ruled out as Anna Patten receives international clearance

Eileen Gleeson will go with a 25-player squad for the upcoming EURO 2025 qualifiers against France on Friday and England in the Aviva next week.

The Ireland Head Coach had hoped that Niam hFahey might be able to play a part in the opening two qualifiers but, having been assessed by the Ireland the medical staff in Dublin, the Liverpool defender has been ruled out and has returned to her club.

Gleeson will however be able to call upon the services of Anna Patten whose international clearance has come through from FIFA.

The Aston Villa defender qualifies for the Girls in Green through her grandfather Donald Coyle who hailed from Falcarragh in Donegal and her grandmother Bridie Coyle (nee Conroy) who was from Lettermore in Galway.

"I was super excited when Eileen (Gleeson) gave me the call and now to have the clearance come through is great,” said the 24-year-old player.

“My grandparents have always been my greatest supporters and they have really motivated me to work hard to succeed in my career, so I'm delighted to be able to represent Ireland through them."

Home and away venues

The FAI confirmed that the away fixture against Sweden on 4 June will be played in the Friends Arena in Stockholm. When Ireland last played the Swedes, they played out a 1-1 draw in Gothenburg in a World Cup qualifier.

The association is having to wait on announcing a venue for their final home qualifier against France on Tuesday 16 July.

The Aviva Stadium is not available and that date could clash with Shamrock Rovers’ Champions League first round qualifier second leg. Should the Hoops be drawn at home on that date, the FAI will look to move the match away from Tallaght Stadium. The Champions League draw does not take place till 18 June.

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