Heather Payne called-up to Ireland squad for Sweden meeting

Vera Pauw has included Roscommon’s Heather Payne in the 27-player Ireland squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier away to Sweden.

Pauw's team are currently second in Group A on seven points after four games played. Sweden top the group on 15 points from five games.

Ireland will travel to Gothenburg for their encounter with Sweden on Tuesday, April 12th.

Pauw has selected six players from the SSE Airtricity Women's National League, including Shelbourne duo Chloe Mustaki and Abbie Larkin who both made their senior debuts last month.

There is a first official call-up for midfielder Lily Agg, who qualifies through her Cork-born Grandmother. The 28-year-old - who hails from Brighton but plays for London City Lionesses - previously trained with the squad in April 2021.

Injuries rule out Diane Caldwell (arm), Savannah McCarthy (knee), Niamh Farrelly (ankle), Emily Whelan (quad) and Aoife Colvill (knee), while Saoirse Noonan is continuing her recovery from a knee injury.

The squad will report into camp on Tuesday, April 5th to begin preparations at the FAI National Training Centre. Then flying to Gothenburg on Saturday, April 9th ahead of the game.

Republic of Ireland

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Eve Badana (DLR Waves)

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Chloe Mustaki (Shelbourne), Megan Campbell (Liverpool), Áine O'Gorman (Peamount United)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ciara Grant (Rangers), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Isibeal Atkinson (Celtic)

Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths), Abbie Larkin (Shelbourne)