Julie-Ann Russell returns to Ireland squad for Euro qualifiers

Michael Bolton

Galway United forward Julie-Ann Russell has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time in four years ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers against England and France.

Russell, who has 60 caps to her name, has been in top form for Galway United in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division this year, as they are third in the league.

Niamh Fahey and Denise O'Sullivan also return having missed the double-header against Sweden due to injury.

Katie McCabe is included in the squad, but will miss the game against England due to suspension.

Heather Payne, Kyra Carusa, Jamie Finn, Chloe Mustaki and Tara O'Hanlon are ruled out through injury.

Ireland will play England at Carrow Road on July 12th, before hosting France at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh four days later.

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).