Eighteen-year-old Aoibhe Brennan has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming poland game double-header, manager Carla Ward confirmed. Brennan moves up from under-19 level after a strong start to the Premier Division season with Bohemians and joins a 24-player group travelling to Gdansk and back to the Aviva Stadium. Ward warned of late fitness checks that could affect selection as preparations intensify ahead of the poland game fixtures.
Poland Game: Ireland’s back-to-back tests
Ireland travel to Gdansk on Tuesday, April 14 and return to host Poland on Saturday, April 18; the fixtures are listed at 12: 00 p. m. ET for the Gdansk match and 10: 00 a. m. ET for the Aviva kick-off. The first poland game is away and will come against a Polish side Ward describes as progressive and dangerous in transition, led by forward Ewa Pajor. Preparation for the poland game begins with tactical sessions and close monitoring of squad fitness as the manager finalises plans for both fixtures.
Squad and key absences
Carla Ward named a 24-strong squad mixing experience and youth. Goalkeepers selected are Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic) and Grace Moloney (Sunderland). Defenders include Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Jessie Stapleton (Nottingham Forest – loan) and Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest). Midfielders named are Denise O’Sullivan (Liverpool), Tyler Toland (Durham), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Crystal Palace), Jess Ziu (West Ham), Lily Agg (Durham) and Aoibhe Brennan (Bohemians). Forwards in the squad include Saoirse Noonan (Celtic), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Nottingham Forest – loan), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current – loan) and Amber Barrett (Strasbourg). Hayley Nolan and Jamie Finn are not included. Brennan’s call-up gives fresh midfield options and Ward will shape the side specifically for the poland game challenges in transition and pressing.
What’s next: Ward’s view and next steps
Manager Carla Ward set out her assessment of Brennan and of the opposition. “I’ve spoken about her a few times since I’ve taken over and in a development game in February last year she really impressed me and I remember walking away and saying to the staff she’s someone I really like and I’ve watched her a lot since, ” Ward said. “She does the basics very well and plays beyond her years and I’m really interested to see how she’ll do in this environment. “
On Poland and its threat, Ward added: “You have Pajor who scored a brace against Real Madrid midweek and was outstanding. She is someone we have to stop, but they have quality everywhere and it would be naïve to think this is a given we have to earn the right to play and win the game. “
Ward confirmed Lily Agg and Jessie Stapleton will go for scans on Monday after knocks sustained with their clubs at the weekend; squad fitness will be monitored closely ahead of kickoff. Ireland sit bottom of Group A2 after narrow defeats in earlier qualifiers and will treat the poland game pair as must-win chances to climb the table. Focus now shifts to final team announcements, scan results and tactical clarity as the squad prepares to travel and contest the poland game fixtures.
