Littlejohn backs new faces to embrace Irish cause

Ruesha Littlejohn has some simple advice for the two newest faces in the Republic of Ireland squad: dedicate yourself to the cause.

Birmingham-born Aoife Mannion and Philadelphia native Marissa Sheva have been called up for this week's training camp in Marbella, ahead of a friendly against China on Wednesday.

Vera Pauw previously revealed that she'd received several message from players declaring their eligibility to play for Ireland following the Girls in Green's qualification for the World Cup. Inevitably, anyone coming into the camp now will have to put up with some suggestions they're jumping on the bandwagon, but Littlejohn is confident the fresh blood will help Ireland - as long they buy into the spirit of the team.

"Everyone knows Irish people are lovely and friendly, so everyone has welcomed everyone with open arms," said the Aston Villa midfielder, a native of Glasgow who qualifies for Ireland through her maternal grandparents.

"Obviously there are going to be questions here and there, but I think it's up to the girls to come in and they are going to prove that they want to play for Ireland, and they are going to give everything to be here, and we will respect them for that.

"Just dedicate yourself to Ireland. That's where your loyalties lie now, and I think everyone in the squad respects that and appreciates that.

"Obviously for myself, everyone knows I was born in Glasgow and that’s where I grew up and I spent my holidays at my nan’s house but I care for Ireland because I’d been to Ireland so often and I spent all my childhood summers, Christmas, Halloween, whatever it was there.

"So that’s why I chose to play for Ireland, but you’ve got to care for the country. I think there are a lot of people now who would play