DAVE Connell, the Republic of Ireland Under-19 Women’s manager, has hailed the Donegal influence as he gears his side up for the second instalment of a friendly double header with Scotland.
Greencastle duo Nicole Gordon and Sarah Jane McDonald are joined on the squad by Raphoe native Zoe McGlynn, who plays with Sion Swifts.
The Irish team takes on the Scots at Tulla, County Clare, after the sides played out a one-all draw on Tuesday in Listowel.
A fourth Donegal player, Roma McLaughlin, who also hails from Greencastle, was with the panel until yesterday – when the injured midfielder was allowed back to attend her school prom.
Picture caption: Greencastle trio Sarah Jane McDonald, Nicole Gordon and Roma McLaughlin with former Republic of Ireland star Ray Houghton.
McLaughlin had knee surgery recently, but the midfielder is expected back for the start of the UEFA First Phase qualifiers next month.
“The signs are good for Roma’s recovery,” Connell told Donegal Sport Hub.
“She had a bit of cartilage scraped and the procedure was very successful. It was an injury that she picked up in Iceland.
“She’ll be a big part of our plans and it’s hard to believe that she has two years, this year and next, with this squad.”
On Tuesday evening, the Irish girls drew 1-1 with Scotland in Listowel.
Midfielder McGlynn played the full game with Gordon playing 67 minutes and McDonald coming on as a substitute on the hour.
Connell said: “This is going to be a very tight panel to get into. We have 20 players with us this week, but we have another nine players who aren’t available: We have four away on scholarships in America, another four on holidays and Roma is injured.
“It will be tough to get into, but the Donegal girls have worked very hard and certainly have done their chances no harm. They’ve been very impressive this week.”
On McGlynn, who has been into the Under-19s on the back of several impressive displays, Connell said: “Tuesday was the most consistent game Zoe had for us. She has been stepped up and she did really well. She’s a player who has been knocking on the door and we’re delighted to see that.”
On Tuesday, McGlynn (pictured above) set up Dearbhaile Beirne for the opening goal, but Kirsty Hansen equalised for the visitors.
Connell said: “We played well in patches and we’re hoping for another good display in the next game.
“We go to the first qualifying stage in September. We don’t just want to get through that – we want to get to the Elite stage in April.”
The involvement this week of the foresome continues a strong link between Donegal and the Irish women’s set-up, which includes Letterkenny native Ciara Grant with the senior team.
Connell said: “We’ve always had good players from Donegal. There is great work being done up there.
“The folks in Inishowen do superb work and Brid McGinty works tirelessly. Ladies football in Donegal is in safe hands. We have great people on the ground in Donegal and great support workers.
“To have four players from the one county is a great achivement. No-one else, bar Dublin, has that. Cork, for instance, only has one player with us this week so Donegal really is at the top of its game.”
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