Australia-born De La Harpe added to Pauw's Ireland squad

Vera Pauw has added Australia-born wing-back Deborah-Anne De La Harpe to her Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly against China in Spain.

Ireland are hopeful De La Harpe will get full FIFA approval to feature against the Chinese having received her international clearance.

She’s the third new face to join the camp, following the inclusion of Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion and Washington Spirit forward Marissa Sheva.

Born in Sydney, the 22-year-old De La Harpe qualifies to play for Ireland through her mother Adele Wilson, who was born in Larne, Co Antrim.

She plays for Sydney FC in the A-League and has represented Australia at U-20 and U-23 level.

"Honestly it’s better than I could have imagined," De La Harpe said on Sunday. "It’s been so good. All the girls and the staff have been so lovely and welcoming."

"My mom and all her family were born in Ireland. I’m the first generation not to be born there. I visited since I was 11, always going back to visit and spend time with my family there.

"It’s very much like a second home to me, being able to spend lots of time there since I was a young girl."

Ireland will play Australia in their first World Cup group game in Sydney on 20 July.

It would be quite the story if De La Harpe was to face the Matildas but she accepts competition for places is fierce.

"The intensity is awesome. Everyone is really competitive and you really want that. It’s only a short time but I feel in every training session I’m learning so much. And the older players especially, the level they play at week in week out. I’ve learned more in this short period than I have in a long time.

"I’m taking the opportunity as it is and staying p[resent in the moment to be here amongst these girls and