Tournament
08.03.2014 at 15:00 - La Manga
The Republic of Ireland Women’s U19 squad head to La Manga today as they continue their preparations for next month’s UEFA European Championship Elite Phase in Holland.
Dave Connell’s side will face England on Saturday, Denmark on Monday and Sweden next Wednesday before heading to Holland in April for an elite qualifying tournament that will also include Turkey and Austria as well as the hosts.
Connell will use the week-long tournament in La Manga to sort out his options after seeing his squad hit by a series of injuries to key players.
His two goalkeepers from the qualifying tournament last autumn – Jill Maloney and Chelsea Noonan – are both gone. US based Maloney has had to retire from the game on medical advice after sustaining a neck injury while Noonan is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. Then, two weeks ago, winger Katie McCabe broke her ankle playing for Raheny United in the Bus Eireann Women’s National League and will also miss the Elite Phase tournament.
“They are big losses but it means that there are now places up for grabs and La Manga gives players a chance to stake their claim for a starting place. We’ve promoted five of the U17 squad which will certainly add to the competition and we’ve also brought in Courtney Brosnan and Grace Wright from America," said Connell.
“We will be playing three top sides so it is a great opportunity to test ourselves. It was great to get the invitation to take part in the tournament and means we must be doing something right when we look at the company we now find ourselves in.
“Obviously our focus is on the Elite Phase in April but these games are going to be great preparations for what will be another tough test in Holland against three more quality teams.”
Women’s U19 Squad: Courtney Brosnan (PDA Slammers, USA), Brooke Dunne (Peamount United),
Chloe Mustaki (Peamount United), Ciara O’Connell (Wilton United), Shannon Carson (St. Mary’s AFC), Ciara Rossiter (Wexford Youths Women’s AFC), Keeva Keenan (Shelbourne), Grace Wright (Texas A&M University), Savannah McCarthy (Listowel Celtic), Lauren Dwyer (Wexford Youths Women’s AFC), Hayley Nolan (Peamount United), Rachel Doyle (DLR Waves), Amy O’Connor (Wilton United), Megan Connolly (College Corinthians), Sarah Rowe (Castlebar Celtic), Clare Shine (Raheny United), Aisling Frawley (Wexford Youths Women’s AFC), Jessica Gargan (Peamount United), Lisa Casserly (Galway WFC), Ciara McNamara (St. Mary’s AFC).
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