Heather Payne of Republic of Ireland during the international friendly against China in Spain earlier this year. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Payne in Ireland squad for two friendlies with USA

Kieran Galvin

Published: Fri 31 Mar 2023, 5:31 PM

Heather Payne has been included in the Ireland women’s squad for two international friendlies against the United States of America, as preparations continue for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Ireland will firstly be in action against the world number 1 ranked United States on Saturday, April 8 in Austin, Texas. They will face the same opponents again on Tuesday, April 11 in St. Louis, Missouri – with both games being broadcast live on RTÉ2.

Ireland manager Vera Pauw has selected a 27-player squad for the camp, with Payne from South Roscommon among the forwards selected.

Heather played with Ballinasloe Town and the ADSL as a youngster, and she currently plays with Florida State University in the USA.

There are first senior call-ups for Lewes goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse, Peamount United defender Tara O’Hanlon and Shamrock Rovers attacker Alannah McEvoy. Whitehouse – who qualifies through her Dublin-born mother – excelled in the US college system before moving to England.

Injuries rule out Niamh Fahey, Chloe Mustaki, Ellen Molloy, Jess Ziu and Leanne Kiernan, while Megan Campbell is unavailable.

The squad will get together on Sunday, April 2 ahead of flying to the United States on Monday to take in the two games in Texas and Missouri.

Ireland WNT squad - Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes). Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Jessie Stapleton (Shelbourne), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Tara O’Hanlon (Peamount United), Áine O’Gorman (Shamrock Rovers). Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Roma McLaughlin (Fortuna Hjorring). Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers), Amber Barrett (Potsdam Turbine), Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Alannah McEvoy (Shamrock Rovers).