Stapleton and Nolan return for crucial qualifiers
Jessie Stapleton and Hayley Nolan have returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Netherlands and France. West Ham's Stapleton and Crystal Palace's Nolan missed April's double-header against Poland, when the side registered six points, because of injury. Denise O'Sullivan and Emily Murphy are included in the squad but will miss the home match through suspension.
Shelbourne's Aoibheann Clancy retains her place in the 25-player squad and is the only player from within the Premier Division set-up. Following the announcement that she will leave Arsenal after 11 years, Katie McCabe is included and is expected to captain the side. "Since I took the job, Jessie has been great and she's someone who's got such a big bright future," Ward said when asked about the returning players.
"She's back on the grass and she's back playing beyond closed doors minutes, so really positive to have her back. "I've really like Hayley. Since I've come in and particularly in America, I think she has shown us what she can do and I think she's somebody in this system that can play, in my opinion, two or three positions.
" The Republic of Ireland welcome the Netherlands to Pairc Ui Chaoimh on 5 June before travelling to face France four days later. Carla Ward's side sit third in League A2, while the Netherlands currently sit top of the group and are unbeaten so far in this qualifying tournament. The Republic of Ireland are aiming to finish top of the group and qualify for the World Cup in Brazil automatically rather than having to compete in the play-offs, which they have already qualified for.
"I tell them all the time that I think they have to keep believing," Ward continued. "I believe. Lots of people think I'm mad because I say it all the time, but we can do anything.