O'Sullivan returns to Republic of Ireland squad
Denise O'Sullivan was a key player as the Republic of Ireland qualified for the 2023 Women's World Cup
- Published
Key midfielder Denise O'Sullivan and defender Niamh Fahey have returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for their final Euro 2025 qualifiers with England and France.
O'Sullivan is set to wear the armband for the game against England on 12 July, with regular captain Katie McCabe suspended for the match at Carrow Road.
Galway United midfielder Julie-Ann Russell, who made her debut in 2009 and has won 60 caps, has earned a first call-up since 2020.
Winger Marissa Sheva has also returned to the Eileen Gleeson's squad.
Injuries have ruled out Chloe Mustaki, Tara O'Hanlon, Jamie Finn, Heather Payne and Kyra Carusa, while Sinead Farrelly has retired.
Liverpool's Fahey and North Carolina Courage midfielder O'Sullivan both missed May's double-header with Sweden through injury.
The Republic of Ireland face England in Norwich on 12 July and host France at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in their final qualifier.
The match against France in Cork will be the first time in 12 years that the senior women's team will have played a home fixture outside Dublin.
Gleeson's side are consigned to the bottom of their qualifying group but are guaranteed a play-off for the Euros courtesy of being in League A.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes)
Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (London City Lionesses), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Jess Ziu (West Ham United), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace), Eva Mangan (Cork City), Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United)
Forwards: Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Emily Murphy (Wake Forest University), Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns)