Doherty replaces O'Sullivan for Cyprus Cup

SC Freiburg striker Fiona O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland Senior Women’s squad for the Cyprus Cup next week after picking up a knee injury while training with her German club.

Ireland manager Sue Ronan has drafted in the uncapped Deirdre Doherty from IT Sligo to replace O’Sullivan who has scored seven goals in 21 appearances for the Senior Women’s Team.

“Deirdre was called into the U19 squad a few years ago but had to withdraw because of injury but I have kept an eye on her and she has been very impressive for Sligo IT this season,” said Sue Ronan.

Doherty is one 14 Irish-based players in 22 strong squad which features five uncapped players and Ronan is using the games against Northern Ireland, South Korea and South Africa to assess her options ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers which will kick-off in September.

“It is quite an inexperienced squad with 15 of the players having won less than 20 caps but it is also a massive opportunity for people to force their way into the squad for the World Cup qualifiers. There are places up for grabs and this tournament is all about trying to fill those spots,” said Ronan.

The squad will fly out to Cyprus on Monday and face Northern Ireland on Wednesday at 3.30pm Irish time. They play South Korea on Friday at 12.30pm Irish time before finishing their Group C campaign against South Africa on Monday, March 11 at 3.30pm Irish time. Their final game will be on Wednesday, March 13, when the 12 teams involved in the tournament play-off for finishing positions.

It has also been confirmed that the Republic of Ireland Senior Women’s Team will play Austria in a friendly international in Tallaght Stadium on June 18th.

The revised Squad is:

Emma Byrne                       Arsenal FC

Eve Badana                         Drexel College FC

Yvonne Tracy                      Arsenal FC

Megan Campbell                Raheny United FC

Grace Murray                     Peamount United FC

Louise Quinn                       Eskilstuna United DFF

Jessica Gleeson                   Wexford Youths FC

Seana Cooke                       Raheny United

Meabh de Burca                 Amazon Grimstad FK

Diane Caldwell                    Alvadsnes FC

Ciara Grant                         Raheny United FC

Karen Duggan                     Peamount United FC

Emma Hansberry                              Castlebar Celtic FC

Julie Ann Russell                 Peamount United FC

Aine O’Gorman                  Peamount United FC    

Shannon Smyth                  Amazon Grimstad FK

Deirdre Doherty                 IT Sligo

Ruesha Littlejohn                              Glasgow City FC

Noelle Murray                    Raheny United FC

Sara Lawlor                         Peamount United FC

Stephanie Roche                Peamount United FC

Denise O’Sullivan                              Cork Women’s FC