Irish women seek Euro qualification

Soccer: The Irish women's team will go in search of their second victory from three UEFA Championship qualifiers on Saturday afternoon when Israel visits the home of Shamrock Rovers

It’s the first time for the venue to host a women’s senior international and Head Coach Sue Ronan believes the arena provides an ideal setting for her team to flourish.

“Over 2,000 fans turned out for Peamount’s UEFA Champions League tie against Paris Saint Germain last month and we would love for that type of crowd to support us on Saturday,” she said.

“This is a vital match for us in our bid to qualify for the 2013 European Championships. Israel has shipped a lot of goals in their first two qualifiers but we’ll respect them. Our aim will be to start the game with a high-tempo and try to create some early chances. Israel can be dogged in defence but it’s up to us to break them down.”

Ronan added that her team has no injury worries, which could lead to a selection head ache:

"When it comes to picking the team, that can only be a good thing as squad depth is important at this level of international football," she added.

Republic of Ireland squad: Emma Byrne - Arsenal FC; Niamh Reid-Burke - Raheny United FC; Yvonne Tracy - Arsenal FC; Diane Caldwell - Thor/KA FC; Megan Campbell - Raheny United FC; Louise Quinn - Peamount United FC; Becky Walsh – Raheny United; Grace Murray - Peamount United FC; Marie Curtin - Kilmallock FC; Niamh Fahey - Arsenal FC; Ciara Grant - Arsenal FC; Dora Gorman - Raheny United FC/UCD; Julie-Ann Russell - Peamount United FC; Meabh de Burca - Boston Aztec FC; Fiona O'Sullivan - Pitea IF; Michele O'Brien - Chicago Red Eleven FC; Aine O'Gorman - Peamount United FC; Denise O'Sullivan - Wilton United FC; Stephanie Roche - Peamount United FC; Emma Mullin - Castlebar Celtic FC. Manager: Sue Ronan