Stapleton and Nolan return for crucial qualifiers

Here is a story sports fans will want to follow: Stapleton and Nolan return for crucial qualifiersImage source, Inpho / Getty ImagesImage caption, Both players missed April's double-header against Poland ByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalistPublished27 minutes agoJessie 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. The Republic of Ireland welcome the Netherlands to Pairc Ui Chaoimh on 5 June before travelling to face France four days later.

Match Details

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. Republic of Ireland squad Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton FC), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Sunderland).

Defenders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal FC), Anna Patten (Aston Villa FC), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest). Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (Liverpool), Tyler Toland (Durham), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Crystal Palace), Jamie Finn (Sunderland), Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne), Jess Ziu (West Ham United). Forwards: Saoirse Noonan (Celtic FC), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current - loan), Amber Barrett (Strasbourg).

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