FOUR Donegal girls are part of the Republic of Ireland Under-19 Women’s squad which kicks off a friendly double header against Scotland this evening in Listowel.
Greencastle FC trio Roma McLaughlin, Nicole Gordon and Sarah Jane McDonald have been selected as has Sion Swifts midfielder Zoe McGlynn, who hails from Raphoe.
The Under-19s take on Scotland at Pat Kennedy Park this evening at 6.30 and face the same opposition on Thursday morning (11am) in Tulla, County Clare.
McLaughlin (pictured above) has been drafted into the squad having recovered from an injury. She memorably scored a hat-trick last year for the Irish Under-17s against Bosnia & Herzegovina and was a part of the squad for the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship – where they reached the semi-finals.
This week’s games begin the new campaign for Dave Connell’s squad .
Connell intends to use the games as preparation for the upcoming UEFA First Phase qualifiers in Slovenia as they target a place in next summer’s finals.
“Scotland are one of the emerging countries in women’s football with a lot of resources put into the game there and a strong national league,” Connell said.
“I’m at a conference with some of their coaches in Iceland this week and when you hear about the impressive academies they have you can see how they’ve developed so they’ll be tough tests no doubt.
“Whatever way you look at it, It’s going to be really tough for all of the players to get into the squad for September for the qualifiers.
“We’re looking for a performance from them in the two games this week so that they can stake a claim to be involved in the competitive games.”
McLaughlin is joined on the squad by her club colleagues, defender Gordon and midfielder McDonald while McGlynn is a rising star from Raphoe who plays for Sion Swifts in Tyrone.
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