Charlton midfielder Mel Filis receives first Republic of Ireland call-up

Charlton Athletic midfielder Mel Filis has been included in Carla Ward's first Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League clashes against Turkey and Slovenia.

The Luton-born 22-year-old qualifies to represent the Girls in Green through her Knock-born mother.

Ruesha Littlejohn, Marissa Sheva and back-up goalkeeper Grace Moloney all get the nod despite currently being without clubs. Littlejohn and Moloney were both released from London City Lionesses earlier this month, while Sheva has been a free agent since her contract at Portland Thorns expired before Christmas.

Lucy Quinn returns having missed the Euro 2025 play-off semi-final games against Georgia and two-legged final versus Wales.

Ward is unable to call on the injured Louise Quinn, Tara O'Hanlon, Lily Agg, Jamie Finn and Jess Ziu, while Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell have recently retired.

Former Aston Villa boss Ward was appointed head coach in mid-January, succeeding Eileen Gleeson whose contract was not renewed following the defeat to Wales.

She'll observe a behind-closed-doors game on Wednesday between an Ireland Development Group team and the Under-19s to learn more about players either on the fringes of the squad or playing in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Unattached)

Defenders: Heather Payne (Everton), Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland – on loan from West Ham United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses), Katie McCabe (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly