Tyler Toland has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad, the first named since the departure of manager Vera Pauw.Toland, who plies her trade with Championship side Blackburn after switching from Levante in Spain during the summer, had not been selected for an Ireland squad since she was an unused substitute for a game against Greece in November 2019.The midfielder had a public falling out with Pauw, with the player's father becoming involved and the manager claiming that she had been subjected to "harassment and intimidation" by the Donegal man over his daughter's absence from the Irish squad, claims he vehemently denied.Toland's recall signals the start of a new era under interim head coach Eileen Gleeson who picked a 25-player squad for Ireland's opening games in the 2023-24 UEFA Nations League.Ireland host Northern Ireland on Saturday, 23 September in Aviva Stadium to kick off their Group B1 opener in League B, a game that so far has attracted over 30,000 ticket sales.
The squad will then travel directly after that first game to Budapest to take on Hungary on Tuesday, 26 September in the Hidegkuti Nándor Stadium.Along with Toland, Gleeson has recalled defenders Savannah McCarthy, Hayley Nolan and Éabha O'Mahony and forwards Saoirse Noonan and Emily Whelan.Injuries have forced Gleeson's hand somewhat with some of the squad's most senior players ruled out through injury.
Niamh Fahey, Megan Campbell, Aoife Mannion, Jessie Stapleton, Claire Walsh, Tara O'Hanlon, Roma McLaughlin, Jess Ziu, Sinead Farrelly and Leanne Kiernan all miss out.Both Áine O'Gorman and Harriet Scott have retired from international football and will be honoured ahead of the Northern Ireland game. Ireland WNT Squad Goalkeepers: Courtney