Sue Ronan names squad for USA Games

Republic of Ireland ladies manager Sue Ronan has named her squad that will travel to America at the end of the month for two friendly matches with the USA.

The 18 woman squad will link up in Dublin on November 25, and will travel to face the reigning Olympic champions as part of the USA Women’s Fans Tribute tour.

There are five home-based players included in the 18, one of which is receiving her first International call-up at senior level. Raheney United’s Ciara Grant joins team-mate Megan Campbell in the squad, along with Peamount United’s Louise Quinn and Julie-Ann Russell, and Cork Women’s striker Denise O’Sullivan.

Speaking on the announcement, Ronan said that the games are a massive opportunity for the Irish side.

She said: “This trip presents a fantastic opportunity for the squad. It’s not often that you get to go up against the world number one seeds, but it’s an experience that each player will relish.

“The players are not fazed by their opposition one bit, and I’m confident that they can pull together and give two strong performances.”

Having finished a disappointing fourth in the qualifying group for the Euro 2013 Championships, the Irish side failed to qualify for the tournament and Ronan admits that she is only looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers.

She said: “Obviously we were disappointed with how we finished in our Euro 2013 qualifying group. I don’t think second place was very far from our reach.

“However, with the World Cup Campaign just around the corner I’m confident that we can re-group and strive towards qualification. These two games are ideal opportunities for the players to pick up experience against some top class opponents.”

They will play their first fixture in JELD-WEN Field Portland on Wednesday November 28 at 7pm (local time), with their second game taking place in University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale on Saturday December 1 at 7.30pm (local time).

The full squad is:

Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Eve Badana (Drexel College), Yvonne Tracy (Arsenal), Louise Quinn (Peamount United), Megan Campbell (Raheney United), Sophie Perry (Chelsea), Mary Therese McDonnell (Chicago Red Stars), Meabh de Burca (Amazon Grimstad FK), Shannon McDonnell (Unattached), Diane Caldwell (Avaldsnes), Niamh Fahey (Arsenal), Ciara Grant (Raheney United), Julie Ann Russell (Peamount United), Aine O’Gorman (Doncaster Belles), Ruesha Littlejohn (Glasgow City FC), Shannon Smyth (Amazon Grimstad FK), Fiona O’Sullivan (SC Freiburg), Denise O’Sullivan (Cork Women’s)