Republic of Ireland Women's National Team head coach Colin Bell has named an 18-player squad for the upcoming FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland, which includes new cap Jessica Ziu.
Ireland welcome Northern Ireland to Tallaght Stadium on Friday, August 31, with kick-off at 5.30pm, the final game of the FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Colin Bell's side started the campaign back in September 2017 with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Lurgan and will be looking to finish the campaign on a high.
Shelbourne Ladies striker Jessica Ziu receives her first call-up to the squad following an impressive debut season for the Continental Tyres Women's National League side. The 16-year old has also impressed for the Women's Under-17 and Under-16 sides, and will gain valuable experience with the WNT.
Heather Payne, who recently secured a move to Women's Super League side Bristol City, has returned to the squad following injury which ruled her out for the qualifiers against Norway.
Player of the Year Harriet Scott, who has recently moved to Birmingham City, has fully recovered from injury which saw her miss out on the Norway qualifiers whilst Shelbourne Ladies goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan misses out through injury.
With World Cup qualification now beyond Ireland, Bell is looking for his team to make a statement for the future and put on a show for the fans.
"We're looking to end the campaign on a high and it is vitally important we get a win in front of our supporters," he said.
"We've had a fantastic campaign where we pushed two world-class teams in Norway and the Netherlands, and I'm delighted with how the team has developed during the course of qualifying.
"Whilst we can no longer qualify for the World Cup, every game at international level is important as we look to continue to progress ahead of the European Championships qualifying next year.
"Congratulations to Jessica Ziu on her first call-up to the senior team. She is someone who has really impressed me, having worked with her for the past 12 months. She has really progressed this season in the Women's National League and in home-based training, and I believe she can really benefit from the week."
Ireland squad:
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Brighton and Hove Albion), Amanda Budden (Cork City).
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Heather Payne (Bristol City), Claire O'Riordan (MSV Duisberg)
Midfielders: Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Karen Duggan (Peamount United), Denise O'Sullivan (NC Courage), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne Ladies).
Forwards: Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Leanne Kiernan (West Ham), Amber Barrett (Peamount United), Aine O'Gorman (Peamount United), Jessica Ziu (Shelbourne Ladies).
