Posted online: Sep 2nd, 2010

Two Donegal players will be included in the Republic of Ireland U17 ladies squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which takes place in Trinidad and Tobago from September 5-25th.
Kilmacrennan Celtic’s Ciara Grant and Finn Valley’s Tanya Kennedy have been included in Noel King’s 21-player squad. Greencastle’s Niamh McLaughlin missed out due to injury but she will be included in the official Irish party.
Ireland will face a tough opener against Brazil on Monday, September 6th, before facing Canada on September 9th and Ghana on September 13th.
“Preparation for the World Cup has been ideal but we are obviously very disappointed with the injury sustained to midfielder, Niamh McLaughlin, which rules her out of contention,” said manager Noel King.
Brazil are currently ranked number two in the world and have the best player in the world in Martha.
“While Ireland are not considered as a massive power in world football, I believe that we go into this competition as the second best team in Europe and I think that we will get the respect from all of the teams that we play,” King added.
“Nobody will be taking us lightly with our record in qualifying over the past year.”