Roma McLaughlin returns from suspension tomorrow as the Republic of Ireland women’s side face Slovakia in a FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifier at the National Training Centre in Senec.
The Greencastle woman and Shelbourne midfielder sat out last month’s 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Lurgan through suspension, but is back in contention for a place tomorrow as Colin Bell’s side look to follow up that win.
McLaughlin’s fellow Donegal natives Tyler Toland (St Johnston) and Amber Barrett (Milford) made their debuts at Mourneview Park and both are included in the squad again for the Slovakia clash.
At just 16, Toland became Ireland’s youngest senior international.
Bell believes that tomorrow’s game will be a tough assignment, even if their hosts lost heavily, 6-1, to Norway, in the opening game.
“Whoever comes in has to be up for the test of these qualifying matches but I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen during the camp so I’m sure whoever plays will be up for it,” Bell, who is without Aine O’Gorman and Stephanie Roche through injury, said.
“It will be a tough match especially after they lost their first game 6-1. It is a clear scoreline but the game was much different in reality.
“The scoreline didn’t reflect the match, Norway just scored every chance they had in the first-half and they seemed to shell-shock Slovakia during that spell.
“But, Slovakia took over the game in the second-half and created plenty of chances, they showed they’re a good side and that we need to be on top form to get the result.
“It will be physical. They’ve got to win so they’ve got to put us under pressure and we’ve got to be equipped to deal with that.”
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