Chloe Mustaki and Saoirse Noonan called up to Ireland squad to face Greece

Carla Ward has recalled Chole Mustaki and Saoirse Noonan to the Republic of Ireland squad for next month’s Nations League double header against Greece.

“I think [Mustaki] has come back in tremendous form for Bristol in an area that we need more depth,” said Ward. “She’s fully deserving of it.

“Saoirse knows where the back of the net is. She wants to learn, wants to be better, and is so passionate about the opportunity to represent her country again. I can’t wait to work with her.”

Izzy Atkinson is dropped while Megan Connolly (ankle), Louise Quinn (hip), Tara O’Hanlon, Jamie Finn, Lily Agg and Jess Ziu (all knee injuries) are unavailable but Shelbourne midfielder Aoibheann Clancy is recognised for her outstanding performance in the recent President’s Cup victory over Athlone Town.

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Clancy’s call up means there are two League of Ireland players among the 23-woman panel following Ruesha Littlejohn recently joining Shamrock Rovers after the 34-year-old was released by London City Lionesses.

“I told her to do it,” said Ward. “Not going to lie.

“Ruesha called me and said ‘I have got three options. I won’t tell you the other two options,’ and I said, ‘League of Ireland. Think about the impact you can have on young players. Not just how you can impact the League of Ireland.’

“She is a top pro. People think because of her personality that sometimes she is not a big pro but she is.

“To install that level of experience into the League of Ireland is huge. I was delighted for her, really delighted.”

Irish clubs will be interested to learn that Ward wants to revitalise the league.

“I have an idea and a plan that I don’t want to say too much about as I have not spoken to Marc [Canham] and David [Courell] yet,” she said. “I believe we can help clubs in various areas.”

The FAI chief football officer Marc Canham confirmed earlier this week that the home-based sessions and the formation of an under-23 squad have both been postponed until “later in the year.”

Carla Ward has recalled Chloe Mustaki (above) and Saoirse Noonan to the Republic of Ireland squad for next month’s Nations League double header against Greece. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho

Ireland are looking to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat in Slovenia last month. The squad will link up this Sunday before facing Greece at the Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium in Heraklion on April 4th with the return tie at Tallaght Stadium on April 8th.

“It’s a funny thing to say but I think [losing 4-0] was a blessing in disguise.

“If you win 1-0, you probably don’t find out an awful lot and it can mask. We found out a lot about where we’re at, the reality of the position we’re in, and probably what I can and can’t do with the team.

“I take that on myself. I’ve tried new things, but I wanted to try new things. I wanted to find out a few things and I think I did, I got answers.

“It also allowed us to deep dive and reflect with every single player in the review post camp which was good. I learned an awful lot. I probably didn’t realise how much hurt there was from [losing the Euros play off] to Wales.”

Ireland WNT Squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Unattached).

Defenders: Heather Payne (Everton), Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland – on loan from West Ham United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Katie McCabe (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Ruesha Littlejohn (Shamrock Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Unattached), Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne).

Forwards: Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Saoirse Noonan (Celtic), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United).