Erin McLaughlin happy to lead Peas' pod of rising stars

Erin McLaughlin is still only 20, but Eileen Gleeson's willingness to flush youngsters into her Republic of Ireland squad is prematurely nudging the Peamount United striker towards senior status.

Gleeson has integrated a different rising, home-based star into her panel in almost every international window, with the boss tapping into the Peas' well of talent in particular.

Indeed McLaughlin was rewarded for her own excellent form with the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division champions as she featured throughout the UEFA Nations League, making her first senior start away to Albania in November.

In the last few months McLaughlin has been there to welcome clubmates Freya Healy [16], Ellen Dolan [17] and - most recently - Jess Fitzgerald [17] into the setup. The Peas in a pod are really flourishing.

"Freya and Ellen were in before Christmas and that was brilliant to see them stepping up," said McLaughlin, speaking to the media from the Florence ahead of Ireland's friendly against Italy on Friday.

"Now Jess has been given the opportunity. I think Jess was the standout player in the league last year. She started every game for us in the centre of midfield and never put a foot out of line and was brilliant all season. I'm delighted that Jess got the call-up now and it's fully deserved.

"I don't think there's any secret [to why Peamount are getting so many players called up].

"The young ones just came in last year and really stepped up when we needed them to, the likes of Freya, Jess and Ellen. There were a couple of injuries at Peamount and [manager] James [O'Callaghan] has given them their chance to play senior football. They just took it with both hands.

"And near the end of the season it's what really seen us through, to have the