Stephanie Roche has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time in two years as caretaker boss Tom O'Connor looks to hit the ground running in the upcoming Euro 2021 qualification campaign.

Striker Roche, plying her trade in Italy with CF Florentia since last October, has had rotten luck with injuries in recent times.

The 29-year-old Dubliner fractured her tibia during the 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in September 2017.

She hasn't not worn the green jersey since but Roche has found form and minutes in Serie A and has been rewarded with a call-up, as has former Cork City attacker Clare Shine.

Shine is back with Glasgow City after a two-year spell on Leeside. She scored the winner in the 2017 FAI Cup final against UCD Waves.

Elsewhere Tyler Toland and Denise O'Sullivan return to the squad having missed the friendly against the USA in California earlier this month.

O’Connor has named a 20-player squad for the crucial group opener against Montenegro at Tallaght Stadium on 3 September.

Colin Bell stepped away as manager in June to take up a position with Huddersfield Town and he has yet to be permanently replaced. O’Connor takes the reins for now, and he described leading the team into battle on home soil as "an honour".

"I’m really looking forward to it," he said. "We had a brilliant few days in America, but this is the game we have targeted. We’re looking forward to playing Montenegro.

"Denise (O'Sullivan) is one of the best players the country has ever produced. She is brilliant week in and week out in America, and Tyler will really make an impact for us.

"Clare and Steph have both been around the squad through the years. Clare is back fully fit, while Steph is in good form in Italy. They will be great to have around, both on and off the pitch."

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (SC Braga), Grace Moloney (Reading)

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Megan Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Claire O’Riordan (MSV Duisburg), Eabha O’Mahony (Cork City)

Midfielders: Tyler Toland (Manchester City), Claire Walsh (Peamount United), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Peamount United), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Jess Gargan (Shelbourne)

Forwards: Amber Barrett (FC Köln), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Heather Payne (Florida State University), Clare Shine (Glasgow City), Stephanie Roche (CF Florentia)