Erin McLaughlin eager to capitalise on Ireland call-up

Peamount United forward Erin McLaughlin has admitted to her surprise at receiving a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad, but the Donegal teenager is determined to grasp her opportunity and force her way into Vera Pauw's World Cup panel next summer.

Ireland arrived in Marbella on Monday for an eight-day Spain sojourn that will include a behind-closed-doors encounter against Morocco before a full international friendly against their fellow World Cup finalists on 14 November.

McLaughlin was one of two players to receive a maiden call-up to the 26-woman Ireland squad, with Shelbourne’s 16-year-old goalkeeper Katie Keane also included after their impressive displays in training with the home-based squad.

"I've great ambitions to go to the World Cup, so hopefully Vera can have a look now and see"

It was the Peamount player’s sister who broke the unexpected news, with McLaughlin telling RTÉ Sport: "I actually just found out whenever the squad was released, so it was actually my sister who saw it first.

"She called me over and said, 'Oh, look! You made the Ireland squad!’ It was great to hear.

"I've been in the home-based sessions and was building towards it but I wasn't really expecting it so soon. I've been in the home-based squad since the under-17s.

"I'm just so grateful that Vera's given me the chance.

"It's a nice camp to come into with two friendlies (one training game). I can just show what I can do, hopefully.

"I've great ambitions to go to the World Cup, so hopefully Vera can have a look now and see.

McLaughlin believes the experience of training with domestically based players at international level from a young age has been a major plus in her development.

"I was first brought in when I was under-17 because Colin Bell was