Ireland bring in Sinead Farrelly ahead of USA showdown

Sinead Farrelly could make a sensational late charge to feature at this summer's World Cup after being added to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Saturday night's friendly against the USA [live on RTÉ2 from 7pm].

Farrelly, who was invited to train with Ireland during the week, played with the USA up to the Under-23s but was never capped at senior level. Born in Havertown, Pennsylvania, the midfielder qualifies for Ireland through her Cavan-born father Sean.

Farrelly recently signed a one-year contract with NJ/NY Gotham FC after an eight-year absence from the game. Her 2021 allegations against former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley led to investigations that found widespread sexual abuse and misconduct in the NWSL.

She required an international transfer having represented another country at underage level, but her clearance has come through in time for her to potentially make a remarkable debut in Austin this weekend.

"I feel really proud," Farrelly told FAI TV. "I spent some years of my childhood living in Ireland, my dad's from there. Ireland's always been really interwoven into our life and my family life, so it feels a little surreal but I feel really honoured and proud to be wearing this badge.

"I've had my dual citizenship for almost ten years now, I think it's always been an option for me if it was there and vice versa, obviously if they wanted me to be here.

"The only thing I've learned on this journey back to soccer for is me is one day at a time, one session at a time. I can get really overwhelmed and I have a pattern of [being] negative and criticial with myself. The most important thing for me is to show up and try my best and keep a positive attitude.

"Yeah, I'm freaking out a little bit about it! What an