Payne makes the cut for Ireland's World Cup squad
As expected, Heather Payne has been included in the Ireland squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The verstaile Payne, who has played as a wing-back recently, is listed as a defender in the 23-player squad, which was announced today (Wednesday). However, she can also play in a more advanced role.
A past-pupil of Creagh NS and Ard Scoil Mhuire, Ballinasloe, Heather represented Ballinasloe Town and the ADSL as a youngster, before going on to play for Salthill Devon and Peamount United.
She now plays for Florida State University, where she combines her studies with her sporting commitments. Heather is a daughter of Gráinne and Brendan Payne and her brother Conor plays football for Padraig Pearses.
Confirmation of Payne's selection comes after she was chosen as the Young Women's Player of the Year at the recent FAI International Awards - see here for separate article.
The final Ireland squad, consisting of 23 players, will travel to Australia on Friday week, July 7 - the day after their final preparation on home soil against France in Tallaght Stadium.
The squad selection is subject to change should any injuries occur in advance of the FIFA deadline on July 10.
Three training players - Sophie Whitehouse, Harriet Scott and Jamie Finn - will also accompany the squad for the duration of the tournament, but will not be eligible for selection after the FIFA deadline.
Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion and Liverpool's Megan Campbell have missed out on the squad through injury. Mannion only made her Irish debut this year after switching allegiance from England, but a knee injury has ended her World Cup hopes.
The Ireland squad will be based in Brisbane for their time at the World Cup.
Ireland will face Australia in their Group B opening game on July 20 and that fixture in Sydney will be the Irish women's team's first ever World Cup finals match.
Vera Pauw's side will then take on Canada in Perth (July 26) and Nigeria in Brisbane (July 31).
Ireland's World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Áine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O'Riordan (Celtic), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United).
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Sinead Farrelly (NJ/NY Gotham), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City).
Forwards: Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers).