Sharon Boyle, Claire Scanlon and Olivia O’Toole, all of who made a massive impact after their introduction as second half substitutes against Portugal have all been handed a starting place by King.
Bristol Rover’s striker, Stephanie Curtis retains her place up front after her outstanding performance in the opening game of the competition in which she proved to be more than a handful for the Portuguese defenders, netting Ireland’s goal in the process.
Iceland will be hoping to get back to winning ways following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of a very talented Italian side on Wednesday, Iceland currently lie in 21st place in the FIFA Women’s Rankings, 11 places ahead of the Republic of Ireland.
Irish manager, Noel King said that his side are more than capable of pushing this Icelandic team for the three points on offer, “Iceland are coming on the back of a very impressive year in 2006 when they came third in their World Cup Qualifying Campaign beating Portugal twice along the way, but there is no reason whatsoever to be fearful of their challenge.”
“I thought the performance of the team on Wednesday was excellent, they could not be faulted for their hard work and commitment and it’s is fantastic to have the opportunity to call up six very experienced girls such as Laura Hislop, Denise Thomas and Marie Curtin not to mention the consistent campaigners such as Olivia O’Toole, Sharon Boyle and Claire Scanlon,” King added.
Algarve Cup Fixtures
Friday 9th March:
Ireland V Iceland
Estadio Municipal – Lagos, Kick-Off: 18.00 Hrs (Irish Time)
Republic of Ireland Team to Play Iceland
Emma Byrne (Arsenal FC)
Sharon Boyle (Raheny United)
Niamh Fahey (Salthill Devon)
Marie Curtin (Hofstra University)
Alisha Moran (New York Athletic Club)
Claire Scanlan (Bristol Academy FC)
Ciara Grant (Arsenal FC)
Laura Hislop (New Hampshire Phantoms)
Denise Thomas (Boston Renegades)
Stephanie Curtis (Bristol Rovers)
Olivia O’Toole (Raheny)
Subs
Sarah Peters (Michigan Phoenix)
Yvonne Tracy (Arsenal FC)
Diane Caldwell (Hofstra University)
Elaine O’Connor (Long Island Lady Riders)
Susan Byrne (St.Johns College)
Sonya Hughes (New Hampshire Franklin Pierce)
Michele O’Brien (Long Island Lady Riders)
Aine O’Gorman (Stella Maris)
Noelle Murray (Raheny) |
