Erin McLaughlin given chance to stake late World Cup bid

Uncapped Erin McLaughlin has been named in an extended 31-player squad for Ireland’s World Cup training camp this month.

The Culdaff woman joins fellow Donegal natives Amber Barrett and Ciara Grant in the panel named on Friday by Vera Pauw.

The Republic of Ireland manager will name a final panel on June 29, which will include 23 players and three travelling reserves.

McLaughlin, who plays for Peamount United in the Women's Premier Division, will feature in a camp that starts on Monday.

Michael Black appointed as Cycling Ireland High Performance Development Coach

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McLaughlin has impressed Pauw in home-based sessions and has been given a chance to stake a claim for a place on the plane to Australia. She is one of four Women's Premier Division players included by Pauw.

Barrett, who scored the historic goal against Scotland at Hampden Park in October to seal qualification for the first time, is in the mix. The Milford woman is currently on the books of Potsdam Turbine in Germany.

Letterkenny's Ciara Grant, who this week signed a new deal with Hearts in the Scottish Women's Premier Division, has also been selected by Pauw, but there is no place for Roma McLaughlin.

Ireland will face Zambia on June 22 and France on July 6 before leaving for Australia the following day.

IRELAND TRAINING SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes).

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Áine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Megan Campbell (Liverpool), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Tara O'Hanlon (Peamount United).

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Sinead Farrelly (NY/NJ Gotham), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Erin McLaughlin (Peamount United).

Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers), Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Potsdam Turbine), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Saoirse Noonan (Durham WFC).