Manchester United’s Aoife Mannion has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the very first time ahead of their international friendly match against China later this month.
FAWSL Full-Time were informed of the news via a media release from The FAI earlier today.
The announcement came after Mannion received international clearance from FIFA to switch her allegiances from England to the Republic of Ireland. The defender previously featured for the Lionesses’ Under-23 side and was twice named in the senior squad.
As a result of injuries and the fine form of those competing for places in the England squad, the centre-back has never made a senior appearance for the reigning European champions and she has now been able to switch nations through her Irish parents.
The move will most likely mean that, barring any more injury setbacks, Mannion will represent the Republic of Ireland when they make their FIFA Women’s World Cup bow in Australia and New Zealand in the summer. They will be faced with a difficult group as they come up against hosts Australia, Olympic Gold Medalists Canada and 11-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners Nigeria.
The inclusion of Mannion will certainly bolster Vera Pauw’s side and improve them defensively, an area which could prove vital if the Republic of Ireland are to have any hopes of progressing from their group this summer.
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