Minimal change in low-key squad announcement for Ireland's US summer tests
THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS low-key, the squad itself not straying too far from recent iterations after all.
It was released through FAI social media channels at noon, while a press release landed in journalists' inboxes.
There was no press conference with head coach Carla Ward, as is customary; some quotes instead circulated for use as the 23-player selection for a friendly double-header against the US was unveiled.
Katie McCabe's unavailability was flagged last week, the captain rested after a hectic season which culminated in Champions League glory with Arsenal.
Ward stated McCabe was 'on the verge of burnout' after the Nations League group finale against Slovenia, and suggested 'a number' of other players would not travel Stateside for the off-season series.
More change was probably anticipated than followed, Ward selecting a relatively familiar squad as Ireland build towards their Nations League play-off with Belgium in October.
Eight players were listed by the FAI as unavailable, four of them long-term injury absentees in Jamie Finn, Jess Ziu, Lily Agg and Tara O'Hanlon. Heather Payne and Leanne Kiernan had both been ruled out of the last camp, while Aoife Mannion joined the captain as the other name: the Manchester United defender played the first half of the Türkiye game, but didn't feature against Slovenia as her load — and a quad knock — was managed.
Aside from the now-retired Louise Quinn, Shelbourne's Aoibheann Clancy was the only other player from the last squad not included following a recent bereavement.
'The WNT players and staff send their condolences to midfielder Aoibheann Clancy following the passing of her mother, Siobhan. She is being given the time to deal with this difficult period and has the full support of the WNT squad,' read the press release.
Advertisement
Hayley Nolan and Izzy Atkinson (centre) return to the squad. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Ellen Molloy, Hayley Nolan and Izzy Atkinson were the three headline inclusions.
Molloy and Nolan receive their first call-ups under Ward. Molloy has been impressing in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division since returning to Wexford, and now gets a fresh opportunity with Ireland.
The 21-year-old midfielder was a regular under Vera Pauw, before an ACL injury interrupted her rise. A move to Championship outfit Sheffield United followed, and Molloy won her first senior cap since 2022 in last October's Euro 2025 playoff semi-final against Georgia. Another injury followed, she left Sheffield in January after four months due to personal reasons, and has been thriving amid home comforts.
Nolan is back in the fold for the first time since late 2023 under Eileen Gleeson, having last played for Ireland in the pre-World Cup friendlies against the US. It's a full circle moment for the Crystal Palace defender, who has see-sawed between fine form and injury in recent times.
'Hayley has been unlucky to miss out on being included in recent squads, simply because we have a lot of competition for places at centre-back,' said Ward. 'We have kept an eye on her at club level, I've spoken with her managers and also had conversations with her. So we are excited to bring Hayley in and give her a chance.'
There notable change is in defence, in the absence of first-choice full-backs McCabe and Mannion. Atkinson gets the nod as another left-sided option alongside Megan Campbell and Chloe Mustaki, while right-back is an area in which Ireland currently lack choice. Mannion appeared to nail down the position through the Nations League, though is naturally a centre-back. Jessie Stapleton deputised against Slovenia and will most likely have to do so again without injured duo Payne and Finn, but Nolan's versatility could also be useful.
Expect huge competition at centre-half: there's a spot up for grabs for the first leg against Belgium with Anna Patten suspended, and no shortage of contenders.
The rest of the squad runs along the same lines as the last, with no change in the goalkeeping department and Molloy added to a midfield selection spearheaded by Denise O'Sullivan, who will be stand-in captain.
'Ellen is a player who we have been tracking closely,' said Ward. 'She has done well for Wexford over the last two months and has been on the longlist for our squads, so we needed an opportunity to take a closer look at her in our environment and this is it.
'We know how talented Ellen is but it's how she can adapt that to international level is what we need to look at. I watched her when she was with Sheffield United and we've been watching her at Wexford, so we want to see how she gets on during this camp.'
There's also continuity in attack, all who featured in the last window returning. New recruit Erin Healy is recalled, and could win her first cap in her country of birth.
Atkinson is actually listed as a forward. The 23-year-old Dubliner gets a fresh international opportunity following her departure from Crystal Palace. She was in Ward's first squad where 'tough love' was offered after falling 'out of favour' at Palace, but was left out thereafter.
Related Reads
Recalls and absentees as Ireland squad named for US friendlies
Have expectations been set too high for Ireland after mixed Nations League group?
Like Molloy and Nolan, the 2023 World Cup bolter will be looking to get back in the picture.
Ireland head coach Carla Ward. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Further experimentation with new faces, like younger and domestic talent, may have been hoped for in some quarters, but Ward sticks with pretty settled squad as the Belgium play-off looms large.
The US provide formidable competition as the world number one, reigning Olympic champions and four-time World Cup winners. Their European-based players will be rested, but Emma Hayes still has an abundance of top stars to choose from.
Ward cites her as a mentor and close friend and has unique insight, having worked in the set-up at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a scout and performance analyst.
Now, she leads Ireland into their 16th and 17th meetings with the US in Denver (Thursday 26 June) and Cincinnati (Thursday 29 June).
'We know how good USA are, they've always been world-class but I believe Emma has taken them to another level and that's why this is a great test for us. To be coming up against the very best is a good opportunity for us,' said Ward.
'When these games were first proposed to us we knew that we would be without certain players, but that opens the door for others to step up.
'Of course you always want to win games but, for me, the most important aspect of these two games will be the performance and continuing to implement our processes.
'These two fixtures will be our final preparation, in terms of games, before we take on Belgium in October, so we want to make the most of these opportunities.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
20 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Netherlands hit Ireland for six in FIH Pro League
Netherlands 6-2 Ireland The Netherlands proved why they are Olympic champions and World No 1 as they inflicted a second FIH Pro League defeat on Ireland in Amstelveen in as many days. A brace from Lisnagarvey's Ben Nelson gave Ireland a major positive to take forward into their remaining FIH Pro League games, however, after Wednesday's 2-0 loss. Three saves from Luke Roleston had helped to keep the score level at the end of the first quarter and both sides had had a penalty corner before Netherlands scored through the third, Jip Janssen drag-flicking past Roleston to break the deadlock. Terrence Pieters eventually got the Netherlands' second just before half-time. A ball across the circle popped up off an Irish stick, giving Pieters the opportunity to volley into the net. The Dutch started the second half quickly, with a penalty corner in the first minute providing them an early chance. The resulting effort was deflected into the body of Lee Cole, and the Netherlands were awarded a penalty stroke, albeit a controversial one, which Jip Janssen snuck past Roleston for the Netherlands' third. Ireland remained steadfast in their efforts, but a speculative call went the way of the home side again for a corner, which Pepijn van der Heijden flicked low into the net to add a fourth. The visitors ended the third quarter positively, mounting a series of attacks, the last of which saw brothers Ben and Matthew Nelson connect well down the right flank to make their way into the circle, but selflessness from Ben as he tried to find the final pass rather than taking on the shot at goal gave the Dutch the chance to clear. Ireland made an ideal start to the final quarter, Sean Murray making a great tackle in the middle of the park and finding Ben Nelson free in the circle to fire into the net and grab Ireland's first. But the Dutch responded, restoring their four-goal lead from open play through Joep Troost. Despite the game looking out of sight, there were still plenty of positive moments in the closing stages from Ireland. An audacious lob from Ali Empey looked destined for the net but hit the side netting instead, followed by a good interchange from Ben Pasley and Adam McAllister forcing the Dutch into more defensive duties. Ben Nelson grabbed his second goal of the game sneaking the ball over Visser following a good crash ball, rewarding Ireland for their continued positive play. But the Dutch scored the final goal of the game right on the final whistle. Speaking after the game Ben Nelson said: "Playing against the top teams in the world, the Olympic Champions; it's always going to be a difficult game in their own backyard. "It's our first two matches in a block of eight, I think we need to just keep pushing on from now, take the positives from this game, see the areas we need to work on, and then push on to the next six matches." Ireland Men's Head Coach Mark Tumilty added: "It's hard to be positive after a 6-2 defeat, but we didn't deserve to lose by that margin. We created better opportunities in the first half and yet found ourselves 2-0 down at half-time." Discussing some of the umpiring decisions, Tumilty said: "I thought we should have been awarded a stroke in the first half but ended up losing our video referral. The stroke they were awarded should not have been, Luke Roleston was behind Lee Cole on the goal line. I thought those decisions were shocking. I expect decisions to be correct." Tumilty's side will travel to Antwerp next where they will begin their final stage of the FIH Pro League with an encounter with Belgium on Saturday at 2.30pm Irish time.
Irish Independent
29 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Netherlands prove their class with big win over Ireland in second match of Amstelveen double-header
Ireland started nervously, with an early defensive error offering the Dutch a chance that goalkeeper Luke Roleston saved well. They soon settled, and Ben Nelson's reverse-stick effort was well blocked by the Dutch defense. Ireland nearly struck first during a strong spell of possession. Ben Pasley's lifted ball across goal found Alistair Empey, who came close to scoring, but Dutch debutant Mauritz Visser produced a fine save. The Netherlands earned the first penalty corner of the match late in the opening quarter, forcing Roleston into two sharp saves to keep the game scoreless. Ireland continued to apply pressure in the second quarter with an effective press that disrupted Dutch build-up play. A penalty corner which could potentially have been a penalty stroke after a heavy tackle on Adam McAllister, gave Ireland a big chance but Lee Cole's shot was well defended. The Dutch responded quickly. A penalty corner saw Jip Janssen break the deadlock with a drag flick past Roleston. Moments later, another Dutch corner was well cleared, but a deflected cross shortly after allowed Terrance Pieters to volley home their second before half-time. The hosts came out fast in the second stanza, winning a penalty corner within a minute. A deflection off Lee Cole led to a controversial penalty stroke, which Janssen converted for 3-0. Despite Ireland's continued effort, the Netherlands added a fourth through Pepijn van der Heijden, who fired low from another penalty corner. Ireland finished the third quarter strongly. A promising move from brothers Ben and Matthew Nelson down the right side nearly paid off, but a pass instead of a shot allowed the Dutch to clear the danger. The visitors also started the final quarter brightly when Sean Murray intercepted in midfield and found Ben Nelson in the circle, who finished confidently to make it 4-1. However, the Netherlands hit back immediately through Joep Troost to restore the four-goal cushion. Even with the result beyond doubt, Ireland showed attacking intent in the closing stages. Ali Empey came close with a clever lob that hit the side netting, and a flowing move involving Pasley and McAllister forced more defensive work from the hosts. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Ben Nelson capped a strong individual performance with his second goal, cleverly lifting the ball over Visser. But the Dutch had the final say, scoring on the final whistle to secure a 6-2 win. Speaking after the game, goalscorer Ben Nelson said: 'Playing against the top teams in the world, the Olympic Champions; it's always going to be a difficult game in their own backyard. "It's our first two matches in a block of eight, I think we need to just keep pushing on from now, take the positives from this game, see the areas we need to work on, and then push on to the next six matches.' Head coach Mark Tumilty questioned some of the refereeing, adding 'It's hard to be positive after a 6-2 defeat, but we didn't deserve to lose by that margin. We created better opportunities in the first half and yet found ourselves 2-0 down at half-time.' 'I thought we should have been awarded a stroke in the first half but ended up losing our video referral. The stroke they were awarded should not have been, Luke Roleston was behind Lee Cole on the goal line. I thought those decisions were shocking. I expect decisions to be correct.' Ireland will travel to Antwerp next where they will begin their final stage of the FIH Pro League with an encounter against Belgium on Saturday, June 14 at 2:30pm Irish time.
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Tottenham confirm appointment of Thomas Frank as new boss on three-year deal
Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy moved swiftly for former Brentford boss Frank after they dismissed Ange Postecoglou only 16 days on from Europa League glory. Following negotiations with Brentford during the past week over Frank's release clause and backroom staff, the 51-year-old has been announced as Tottenham head coach and will bring with him Justin Cochrane, who will return to the club where he started his coaching journey more than a decade ago. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content A club statement read: 'We are delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Frank as our new head coach on a contract that runs until 2028. 'In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.' Frank is the 14th permanent head coach of Daniel Levy's 24-year tenure as Spurs chairman and will take over a club which won the Europa League last month but finished 17th in the Premier League. Tottenham's first trophy since 2008 did not prevent Postecoglou losing his job, with a statement last Friday citing it as 'one of the toughest decisions' the board has made. A club record in the Premier League of 22 defeats ultimately cost Postecoglou, even though he faced a winter injury crisis and prioritised Europa League success over league fixtures during the latter months of the season. Postecoglou's dismissal sparked a flurry of tributes from Spurs players and Frank's initial task in north London will be to stabilise a shocked dressing room. However, the Danish coach has gained a reputation for excellent man-management skills during his impressive seven-year spell in charge of Brentford, where he won 136 of his 317 matches as head coach. 'It has been a pleasure working alongside Thomas,' Brentford director of football Phil Giles said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'There have been so many special moments with Thomas and nobody will ever forget the day at Wembley for the play-off final or that emotional first Premier League game against Arsenal. 'We will never forget Thomas, but now it is time to thank him and take the next steps in our journey with a new leader who we believe can be just as successful and influential.' Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Frank at Brentford. After a rocky start, Frank turned Brentford into one of the most entertaining teams in the Championship and clinched play-off success at Wembley in 2021 – despite the departures of Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma. Ex-Brondby boss Frank showed his supreme adaptability once in the top flight as his previously free-scoring side switched to a disciplined and organised unit, which frequently changed between a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 system. It enabled Frank to establish Brentford as a Premier League regular despite a modest budget and even the loss of Ivan Toney last summer failed to halt their momentum. During the 2024-25 campaign, Brentford recorded their best tally of top-flight wins (16) and goals (66) to secure a 10th-placed finish which further caught the attention of Tottenham. An official approach from Spurs was made on Monday before negotiations concluded on Thursday after an agreement had been reached over Frank's release clause – reported to be in the region of £10m – and his backroom staff. Frank has brought Cochrane with him to Tottenham along with Chris Haslam, previously Brentford's head of athletic performance, and first-team analyst Joe Newton. This move will also reunite Frank with Andreas Georgson, who spent a year at Brentford as a set-piece coach and now moves from Manchester United to Spurs, and technical director Johan Lange, who worked with Frank at Lyngby in their native Denmark and tried to bring him to Aston Villa in 2022. Even though Frank has failed to win any major silverware, he can change that when he manages Spurs for the first time competitively on August 13 in the UEFA Super Cup against Champions League winners Paris St Germain.
