Ireland dealt major blow as star suffers horror injury on eve of Italy clash

JAMIE FINN is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in Ireland training.

Eileen Gleeson’s side are busy preparing for their first game of 2024, against Italy in Florence on Friday.

They will follow that up with a home friendly against Wales in Tallaght next Tuesday.

However, they will be without Jamie Finn after it was confirmed that she had torn her ACL in training.

She is the latest injury setback for the Girls in Green after talismanic midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was ruled out of both games.

The 30-year-old picked up a knock during pre-season training with North Carolina Courage, while Tyler Toland will also be absent through injury.

While disappointed at having to miss both of Ireland‘s first games of 2024, Cork woman O’Sullivan vowed to come back stronger.

She said: “Extremely disappointed to be missing the upcoming window with Ireland but I will be working hard to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

“I’ll be fully supporting my teammates and excited to watch them play.

“See you all soon.”

Without O’Sullivan and Toland, Eileen Gleeson has called up Peamount United Erin McLaughlin and Jess Fitzgerald, who is promoted from the Ireland Under-19s. 

Gleeson said: “With various injuries, we do want to incorporate young players to the environment. It is a good opportunity to bring in Jess Fitzgerald.”

However, plans to hand a debut to former England Under-17 international Emily Murphy may have to be put on pause as she waits on international clearance.

The USA-based striker previously took part in an Ireland training camp three years ago under Pauw.

Gleeson said of the 20-year-old: “She is a good strong centre forward who we feel can add value.

“This camp is an opportunity to bring her in and get a further view on her.”

Louise Quinn is unlikely to feature against Italy because of a shoulder problem but it is hoped that he will feature at Tallaght Stadium.

Elsewhere defenders Niamh Fahey and Aoife Mannion, midfielder Jess Ziu and forward Leanne Kiernan all back in the squad from long-time injuries.

Republic of 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), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), 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), Erin McLaughlin (Peamount United), Jess Fitzgerald (Peamount United)

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