Five takeaways from Carla Ward's first Republic of Ireland squad announcement

New Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward named her first squad on Tuesday morning, bringing in one new face and three familiar ones who are currently searching for a club.

Here are five takeaways from her selection for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Turkey and Slovenia.

1. She's spoken to Denise O'Sullivan about Colin Healy

Colin Healy, Eileen Gleeson's No 2, has been very critical of the process in which he was removed from his role before Christmas, claiming he'd been led to believe his contract would be extended. Last week O'Sullivan doubled down on her support for Healy, saying, "it was the manner it was done in, I think it was disrespectful, I think it lacked class, I think it lacked compassion".

Ward revealed she has spoken to the Cork midfielder and Caitlin Hayes - who also posted her support for Healy on X - about the situation. "Look, I’m somebody that likes to face things head on," said Ward. "I don’t shy away from things. For those that know me, know my background, I’m very OK with difficult conversations, I’m very OK with addressing the elephant in the room. Yeah, we had conversations. They understand I’ll support them. My job is to get them focused now on moving forward, and that’s exactly what they’re gonna do."

2. Mel Filis offers 'something a little bit different'

On Sunday night the FAI's social team flagged there would be a newbie included and that transpired to be Charlton Athletic's Mel Filis. The 22-year-old Luton-born midfielder is eligible through her mother, born in Knock, Co Mayo.

"I think it’s something that she probably would have hoped to have had some involvement with before," said Ward. "But obviously she’s gone through the England age groups, I think until 23s just