Vera Pauw has confirmed the final Republic of Ireland Women's National Team squad for their UEFA Women's EURO 2021 qualifier away to Germany on September 19th.
Pauw has included two uncapped players in her squad as duo Alli Murphy and Ellen Molloy have been included in the 23-player squad who arrive in Germany next Monday.
16-year old Kilkenny soccer starlet Ellen Molloy has earned her place in the final squad after some impressive performances for Wexford Youths. Molloy was the standout player against Peamount United, the current Women’s National League’s reigning champions. Molloy bagged two-goals against Peamount who were yet to concede a single goal in four games. At just the tender age of 16-years old Molloy has a football brain beyond her years.
Last week, Texas-born Alli Murphy who qualifies for Ireland through her Limerick-born grandparents, said “I’ve always wanted to use my Irish heritage to make myself available for the team so it’s great to be in the coach’s thoughts.”
Ireland also welcome the returning Leanne Kiernan, and Heather Payne - none of whom featured in the wins over Montenegro and Greece in March. Megan Connolly is coming off a superb weekend after registering a goal and assist in Brighton’s opening game of the Women's Super League.
Diane Caldwell, Arsenal's Katie McCabe and US-based Denise O'Sullivan, who all scored in the 3-0 win over Montenegro last time out are all also included.
Ireland currently sit top of Group I following an unbeaten start. They will face a tough test against group favourites Germany, who have scored an astonishing 31 goals in just four matches. After that Ireland compete against Ukraine away on October 23 and then Germany again but this time at home on December 1.
The nine group winners and the three best runners-up qualify directly for the final tournament, while the remaining six runners-up advance to the play-offs.
