Megan Campbell has returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for the Pinatar Cup tournament in Spain, which begins with a game against Poland on Wednesday.

Injuries have plagued Campbell of late, with her last involvement in an Irish squad coming in November 2020. She is one of 27 players named by manager Vera Pauw for the Pinatar Cup, where the side will be guaranteed three games.

The tournament, which also features Wales, Scotland, Slovakia, Russia, Belgium and Hungary, will act as preparation for Ireland's next World Cup qualifier away to Sweden.

Ireland cannot be matched with Slovakia as they are in the same World Cup qualifying group, and should Vera Pauw's side win their first two games, they will contest the final on 22 February. The third round of games will rank the sides accordingly.

Coach Pauw believes the invitational tournament will be ideal preparation for the "pressure" of facing the Swedes in Gothenburg on 12 April.

Speaking to the media at today's squad announcement, she said: "It's hugely important, it's key. It will help to improve our game in possession, and our attacking play. It's also an opportunity for us to find our limits. We need to be put under pressure, to be ready for the pressure of Sweden.

There is a first senior call-up for Shelbourne forward Abbie Larkin. The Ireland Under-17 captain impressed in home-based training sessions and the 16-year-old was invited to train with Pauw's squad late last year.

"She will get game time, she's a huge talent and we want to know where she is, so there is an extra place for her," the Irish coach confirmed, adding that the youngster will get time off school to attend the tournament

"She's doing very well at the moment, otherwise, we would not invite her, but her development, we need to follow. If you're good enough, you're old enough. Sherida Spitse will play her 200th cap for the Netherlands next week.

"She came in when she was 15, I was the coach. And she never left the squad. So it depends on the player. And female players physically mature earlier than male players - that's about two years earlier.

Niamh Fahey is on 99 caps and could be next to join the exclusive WNT Centurion Club that currently has three members in Emma Byrne (134), Áine O'Gorman (111), and Ciara Grant (105).

The squad will meet in Murcia, Spain on Sunday and use the La Manga Stadium as their training base.

Republic of Ireland Pinatar Cup Fixtures

16 February Republic of Ireland v Poland, La Manga, 14:30 (Irish Time)

19 February Republic of Ireland v TBC

22 February Republic of Ireland v TBC

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Eve Badana (DLR Waves)

Defenders: Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Manchester United), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Áine O’Gorman (Peamount United), Megan Campbell (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Ciara Grant (Rangers), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne), Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths), Isibeal Atkinson (Celtic)

Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Abbie Larkin (Shelbourne), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)