Julie-Ann Russell says Ireland U23s would help League of Ireland

Julie-Ann Russell says the formation of a Republic of Ireland Under-23s would benefit the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division and the national senior team as a crucial bridge between both levels of football.

There's been much talk of the pathways between the two after Athlone Town boss Ciaran Kildfuff - who left his post on Sunday night - criticised the Ireland management for failing to give players from the league enough opportunities to impress.

Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson strongly rejected that suggestion, saying last Thursday: "Statements that we don't watch players are completely inaccurate".

Galway United star Russell had an incredible impact when given her chance with the Girls in Green last July, scoring against England and France in two swashbuckling performances.

However she is an outlier. With no bridge between the Under-19s and the seniors - and home-based training sessions for LOI players discontinued by the FAI - it's generally very difficult for domestic talent to really stake a claim.

An Under-23s squad would aid that transition, with Russell revealing it could be on the way.

"I believe it's imminent," she said ahead of Friday's Euro 2025 play-off semi-final first leg against Georgia.

"I think that it’s just down to budget and stuff like that. I think, once it does come into place, it will be brilliant.

"Obviously, there’s some players that are able to step up straight away and there’s some that aren’t. If there is the 23s in place, it’s something for them to strive for and something you can keep developing.

"I think it will benefit the seniors then because they’ll be ready to just slot in, you don’t have to take a year or so to gradually build up (a player). If that’s in place it will be really