Mannion, Sheva and McAloon earn Ireland call-ups

Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw has named three uncapped players in her squad for a training camp in Spain and upcoming friendly with China.

Manchester United centre-back Aoife Mannion and Washington Spirit's Marissa Sheeva have been included in the squad as preparations for the 2023 World Cup continue.

Both players have received international clearance with Mannion qualifying through her parents and Sheeva through her grandparents (grandfather from Tyrone, grandmother from Donegal)

Mannion played underage level for England before being called up at senior level without getting capped.

Durham WFC goalkeeper Naoisha McAloon, formerly of Peamount, has also been included, while Glasgow City defender Claire Walsh is recalled to the squad following an impressive spell at club level.

Ruesha Littlejohn, Megan Connolly and Heather Payne return to the squad after missing last November’s 4-0 win over Morocco, while Niamh Fahey, Savannah McCarthy, Chloe Mustaki, Ellen Molloy, Jess Ziu, Aoife Colvill and Leanne Kiernan miss out through injury.

Pauw will use the 10 days to work with her players at their training base in Marbella ahead of taking on AFC Asian Cup winner China in a friendly on 22 February in Cadiz.

Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Grace Moloney (Reading), Naoisha McAloon (Durham WFC)

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Megan Campbell (Liverpool), Áine O’Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion),