Leanne Kiernan recalled to Ireland women's squad

Leanne Kiernan has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland women's squad for the friendlies against Italy and Wales.

Head coach Eileen Gleeson has named a squad of 26, including Niamh Fahey, Aoife Mannion, Jess Ziu and Kiernan. All of whom have recovered from injury.

The first games of 2024 will see Gleeson test her players away to Italy on Friday, February 24 in Florence. Whereas, Ireland return to Dublin to host Wales in Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday, February 27.

The panel also includes a first call up for Wake Forest University forward Emily Murphy.

The Italy fixture will be the first international game to be played in Viola Park since the state-of-the-art training complex. The venue is the home base for ACF Fiorentina, opened in October 2023.

Indeed, the two games will serve as part of the preparation for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2025 Qualifiers. Which kick-off in April following the draw on March fifth.

There is a first call-up for Wake Forest University forward Emily Murphy, who qualifies through her Dublin-born father, and had previously trained with the WNT squad in April 2021.

Ireland WNT Squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes)

Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (Reading – on loan from West Ham United), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Ruesha Littlejohn (London City Lionesses), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Heather Payne (Everton), Jess Ziu (West Ham United), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Emily Murphy (Wake Forest University)