Keenan replaces injured Ziu in Ireland squad for upcoming play-off

Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw has called up Shelbourne defender Keeva Keenan to her squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off.

Keenan, who has three senior caps, has been brought in as defensive cover for Jess Ziu.

Zio picked up a knee injury while on club duty and will not be present when the squad assembles tomorrow ahead of the 11 October play-off.

Scotland face Austria at Hampden Park in the first-round play-off on Thursday, 6 October with the winner progressing to a mammoth showdown with the Girls in Green five days later.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Eve Badana (DLR Waves)

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Keeva Keenan (Shelbourne), Claire O'Riordan (Celtic), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Megan Campbell (Liverpool), Áine O’Gorman (Peamount United)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Niamh Farrelly (Parma), Roma McLaughlin (Central Connecticut University), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Isibeal Atkinson (West Ham United)

Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Amber Barrett (FFC Turbine Potsdam), Abbie Larkin (Shelbourne), Saoirse Noonan (Durham WFC), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge)