Campbell makes first Ireland start in three years

Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw has turned to Megan Campbell to fill the defensive void left by the injured Niamh Fahey for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Finland at Tallaght Stadium.

Fahey misses the crunch clash with a groin problem but she could return for Tuesday's final group game in Slovakia.

Ireland can seal a place in the play-offs if they beat the Finns, and although Fahey's absence is a blow, Pauw said yesterday she had full confidence the team would cope.

"We have a broad squad and I think we've found a very good solution," the manager said.

That solution is versatile Liverpool centre-half Campbell, who ended a 26-month absence from international football in February when she featured in the Pinatar Cup. She starts a competitive international match for the first time in three years.

Bad knee and ankle injuries seriously disrupted her Ireland career but Campbell gets her chance in the pressure cooker of a massive night.

She's part of an overall reshuffle with Diane Caldwell, Louise Quinn and Megan Connolly forming a three-player central defence; Jamie Finn and Campbell occupy in the wide areas.

Katie McCabe again captains the side with Ruesha Littlejohn and Denise O'Sullivan in the engine room, and Heather Payne leading the line.

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