Katie McCabe has been included in a 27-player Ireland squad for the upcoming friendlies against the USA.
The Ireland captain suffered a serious injury scare during Arsenal's 2-0 Champions League victory against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. After being substituted late in the game, she was pictured using crutches and wearing a protective boot.
With this summer's World Cup looming, the 27-year-old's inclusion in the squad for the double-header against the US is good news. Ireland manager Vera Pauw said on Friday morning that there is "no fear" of McCabe missing the World Cup.
There are first senior call-ups for Lewes goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse, Peamount United defender Tara O’Hanlon and Shamrock Rovers attacker Alannah McEvoy.
Whitehouse – who qualifies through her Dublin-born Mother – excelled in the US college system before moving to England, where she linked up with Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City and Bristol City ahead of signing for English Championship side Lewes in 2022.
Injuries rule out Niamh Fahey, Chloe Mustaki, Ellen Molloy, Jess Ziu and Leanne Kiernan, while Megan Campbell is unavailable.
The squad assembles on April 2nd ahead of flying to the US on Monday to take in the two games in Texas and Missouri.
Ireland play the reigning world champions USA in Austin on April 8th and then in St Louis on April 11th. Both games will be shown live on RTÉ.
Ireland squad to play USA
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)
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