Megan Campbell returns as Vera Pauw names squad for Spanish tournament

Megan Campbell has returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for the Pinatar Cup tournament in Spain, which begins with a game against Poland on Wednesday.

Injuries have plagued Campbell of late, with her last involvement in an Irish squad coming in November 2020. She is one of 27 players named by manager Vera Pauw for the Pinatar Cup, where the side will be guaranteed three games.

The tournament, which also features Wales, Scotland, Slovakia, Russia, Belgium and Hungary, will act as preparation for Ireland's next World Cup qualifier away to Sweden on 12 April.

There is a first senior call-up for Shelbourne forward Abbie Larkin. The Ireland Under-17 captain impressed in home-based training sessions and the 16-year-old was invited to train with Pauw's squad late last year.

Niamh Fahey is on 99 caps and could be next to join the exclusive WNT Centurion Club that currently has three members in Emma Byrne (134), Áine O'Gorman (111), and Ciara Grant (105). The squad will meet in Murcia, Spain on Sunday and use the La Manga Stadium as their training base.

Republic of Ireland squad

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

Defenders: Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Manchester United), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Áine O’Gorman (Peamount United), Megan Campbell (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Ciara Grant (Rangers), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne), Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths), Isibeal Atkinson