The 19-year-old left back won her first cap last May when she came on as a substitute against USA in San Jose and, having got a taste of senior international football, is relishing the opportunity that arrived last week when she was called into Sue Ronan’s squad for Thursday’s game against Spain.

“It’s good to be back in,” smiled Rossiter. “I was delighted to get the call-up and I just want to prove myself on the pitch now.  I was delighted that I was picked last May, especially to go to America and play the best team in the world. It was a deadly experience and I am just delighted to be back in again.”

Rossiter admitted she was a bundle of nerves as she got ready to take the field in front of a full house in San Jose in a match that was televised coast to coast in the States and also in Ireland.

“It was nerve-wrecking. I was so nervous coming on but, once I got on the pitch, I just forgot about everything around me and just focused on the game. It was grand once I got on.”

Rossiter was a key figure in Wexford Youths’ march to the Continental Tyres Women’s National League last season and was named on the Team of the Year as well as picking up the Young Player of the Year Award.

That was good enough to earn her the call to go the USA and also to the World Student Games in South Korea in June and there were certainly no eyebrows raised when Ronan called Rossiter in for this week’s Euro 2017 qualifier against Spain game following her display in the Continental Tyres FAI Women’s Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium two weeks ago.

Wexford beat Shelbourne on penalties to claim their first FAI Cup and complete a 2015 League and Cup double and Rossiter admitted she is still on a high since the game.

“Even though we didn’t play at our best it was still a top class game. Shelbourne were always going to be tough opposition and there is a great rivalry between us,” said Rossiter who scored a last minute equaliser to send the game into extra-time.

“We never really gave up but, coming towards the end, I looked up and saw 90 minutes and I got disheartened. But we never gave up and that’s when I got the goal.  It was a good moment but I didn’t really think about it too much at the time because I wanted to win so badly. When Shelbourne equalised at the end of extra-time I had forgotten it would go to penalties because we wanted it so badly. It was our first time in the Aviva and we had worked so hard to get there that we didn’t want to lose. We had the passion and desire to win and we weren’t coming out of there without a win.

Rossiter was due to take Wexford’s fifth penalty but admits she was glad it didn’t come down to that as four successfully converted penalties ensured they won the shoot-out 4-1 after a 2-2 draw and triggered another day of celebration for Wexford Youths, a few weeks after the men won the SSE Airtricity League First Division.

“It is great at the moment. There is a deadly atmosphere around the whole club and throughout Wexford. There is so much support for us and it great. We are on a good run at the moment and it’s good that we have a few players in the Irish squad because it shows how well we are doing at Wexford.

Rossiter didn’t make the first two squad of the EURO 2017 campaign but was watching keenly as Ireland opened with a home defeat to Finland before going to Portugal and coming back with three points.

“It was brilliant to get the win in Portugal. It was disappointing to lose to Finland so it was great to pick ourselves up and get the win over there. We will be ready for Spain now. They are a top class team. It is going to be a tough game but hopefully we can get a result of it.”

The Republic of Ireland team went into camp yesterday to commence preparations for Thursday’s game against Spain and have had two sessions at the FAI National Training Centre in preparation for the game..

Republic of Ireland Squad (v Spain)

Goalkeepers: Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Grace Moloney (Reading), Niamh Reid Burke (Shelbourne).

Defenders: Meabh De Burca (Galway), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea), Savannah McCarthy (Galway), Sophie Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion), Louise Quinn (Eskilstuna United), Ciara Rossiter (Wexford Youths),

Midfielders: Diane Caldwell (Avaldsnes), Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic), Grace Murray (Shelbourne), Denise O’Sullivan (Glasgow City),

Forwards: Carol Breen (Wexford Youths), Siobhan Killeen (Shelbourne), Katie McCabe (Shelbourne), Julie Ann Russell (UCD Waves), Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves), Claire O’Riordan (Wexford Youths), Stephanie Roche (Sunderland), Clare Shine (Glasgow City).

ENDS

Top Performer
Seamus Coleman (Everton)
The Republic of Ireland international was sensational in Everton’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa and he played his part by setting up one of the goals to make it 18 assists in 12,834 Premier League minutes.

Watch Out For
Sean Long (Luton Town)
On loan from Reading, the Dubliner has caught the eye since moving to Kenilworth Road. He recently featured for the Ireland Under 21’s, but Long – who is a powerful defender – now wants to make strides at club level.

Irish Manager Monitor
In the Championship, Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town drew 2-2 with Wolves, Lee Carsley’s Brentford won 2-1 over Nottingham Forest, and Chris Hughton’s Brighton & Hove Albion drew 1-1 with Burnley.

John Sheridan’s Newport County played out a scoreless draw with Yeovil Town in League Two to move onto 15 points from 18 games played.

Further Afield
Joe Gamble featured for DPMM in their 4-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa as they won the Singapore S-League. The former Cork City midfielder first joined the club in 2014.

In the Dutch Eredivisie, Jack Byrne started for Cambuur as they fell to a 5-1 defeat away to Ajax. Cillian Sheridan scored the winning goal for Omonia Nicosia as they won 1-0 away to Aris in Cyprus.

Padraig Amond scored the only goal of the game as Grimsby Town overcame Eastleigh in the Vanarama National League to bring his tally for the season up to 17 goals.

Women’s Focus
Diane Caldwell was denied a perfect ending to her season with Avaldsnes as they lost 3-2 to Lillestrom in the Norwegian Women’s Cup Final – the same team pipped them to the League title.

Weekend Stats

Premier League
12 appearances– Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson, James McCarthy (Everton), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Robbie Brady, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Shane Long (Southampton), Jonathan Walters, Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion)
3 un-used substitutes– Eunan O’Kane (Bournemouth), Stephen Ireland, Marc Wilson (Stoke City)

Championship
24 appearances– Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers), Alan Judge, Alan McCormack (Brentford), Derrick Williams (Bristol City), Joe Mason (Cardiff City), Stephen Henderson (Charlton Athletic), Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh (Derby County), Sean Kavanagh (Fulham), Joe Murphy, Sean Scannell (Huddersfield Town), Jonathan Douglas, Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Samir Carruthers, Darren Potter (MK Dons), Alan Browne, Greg Cunningham, Eoin Doyle (Preston North End), Paul McShane (Reading), Leon Best, Lee Frecklington, Stephen Kelly (Rotherham United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday)
3 goalscorers– Sean Scannell (Huddersfield Town), Jonathan Douglas, Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town)
6 un-used substitutes– Jack Bonham (Brentford), Simon Cox (Bristol City), Stephen Ward (Burnely), Jeff Hendrick, Alex Pearce (Derby County), Matt Doherty (Wolves)
2 yellow cards– Sean Kavanagh (Fulham), Paul McShane (Reading)
1 red card– Leon Best (Rotherham United)
1 clean sheet– Stephen Henderson (Charlton Athletic)

League One
27 appearances– Conor Hourihane, Kevin Long, Aidan White (Barnsley), Billy Clarke (Bradford City), Callum Reilly (Burton Albion), Jay O’Shea (Chesterfield), Jimmy Ryan (Fleetwood Town), John Egan, Bradley Garmston, Emmanuel Osadabe (Gillingham), Aiden O’Brien, Shaun Williams (Millwall), Mark Yeates (Oldham Athletic), Chris Forrester (Peterborough United), Sam Foley, Sam Kelly (Port Vale), Donal McDermott (Rochdale), Niall Canavan, Paddy Madden (Scunthorpe United), Conor Sammon (Sheffield United), James Collins, Liam Lawrence (Shrewsbury Town), Dave Mooney, Glen Rea (Southend United), Anton Rodgers (Swindon Town), Anthony Forde (Walsall), Chris McCann (Wigan Athletic)
3 goalscorers– Conor Hourihane, Kevin Long (Barnsley), Mark Yeates (Oldham Athletic)
4 un-used substitutes– Anthony O’Connor (Burton Albion), David Forde (Millwall), Liam McAlinden (Shrewsbury Town), Cian Bolger (Southend United)
5 yellow cards– Aidan White (Barnsley), Shaun Williams (Millwall), Mark Yeates (Oldham Athletic), Chris Forrester (Peterborough United), Chris McCann (Wigan Athletic)

League Two
24 appearances– Seamus Conneely (Accrington Stanley), Barry Corr (Cambridge United), Gary Dicker (Carlisle United), Rhys Murphy (Crawley Town), Jake Mulraney (Dag & Red), Jake Carroll (Hartlepool United), Sean Long, Mark O’Brien (Luton Town), Barry Roche (Morecambe), Mark Byrne (Newport County), Brendan Moloney, John-Joe O’Toole (Northampton Town), Graham Burke, Ronan Murray, Alan Sheehan (Notts County), Pat Hoban, Callum O’Dowda (Oxford United), Graham Carey (Plymouth Argyle), Michael Doyle, Brian Murphy, Enda Stevens (Portsmouth), Michael Harriman (Wycombe Wanderers), James Berrett, Eddie Nolan (York City)
3 goalscorers– Barry Corr (Cambridge United), Rhys Murphy [2] (Crawley Town), Brendan Moloney (Northampton Town)
8 un-used substitutes– Rory Gaffney (Cambridge United), Shamir Fenelon (Crawley Town), Kane Ferdinand (Dag & Red), Clinton Morrison (Exeter City), Alan Dunne (Leyton Orient), Jamie Devitt (Morecambe), Ryan Sweeney (AFC  Wimbledon), Michael Collins (York City)
3 yellow cards– Gary Dicker (Carlisle United), Graham Burke (Notts County), James Berrett (York City)
1 clean sheet– Barry Roche (Morecambe)

Scottish Premiership
7 appearances– Willo Flood, Jonny Hayes, Adam Rooney (Aberdeen), Sean Dillon, Gavin Gunning (Dundee United), Mark Connolly (Kilmarnock), Joe Shaughnessy (St Johnstone)

Compiled by GARETH MAHER

O'Brien's side begin the international campaign with an interesting test against the Poles at Rock Celtic FC and after impressing at the Hibernia Cup in August and through the assessment period over recent weeks this group of players have a chance to step up to the top level.

"A few of these players were at the Hibernia Cup so they know each other a little bit at this stage while others have since come in from the assessment process," said O'Brien.

"The players are learning a lot about what international football involves from being in a squad for the first time, staying in the hotel, training and eating plus analysis work which most of them are introduced to for the first time this week.

"Analysis is part of their learning and we're showing them areas that they can improve but it's not too much but information which is appropriate to their age.

"They'll get the opportunity to put into practice the thing that we've worked on with them in training and we'll see if they can take it into the game.

"There's potentially good attacking talent in this group but the challenge is to see how they step to what is likely to be their toughest game so far this year as its their first international game."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15 SQUAD:

Ciaran Brennan (East End United)

Sean Brennan (Belvedere)

Harry Clarke (Cherry Orchard)

Kian Clarke (St Kevin's Boys)

Barry Coffey (Nenagh AFC)

Nathan Collins (Cherry Orchard)

Adam Idah (College Corinthians)

Jason Knight (Cabinteely)

Kameron Ledwidge (St Kevin's Boys)

Sean Mahon Brennan (Cherry Orchard)

Oisin McEntee (Malahide United)

Jamin Nwanze (St Kevin's Boys)

Adam O'Reilly (Ringmahon Rangers)

Kevin O'Reilly (Cherry Orchard)

Ray O'Sullivan (St Kevin's Boys)

Caelin Rooney Abreu (Clashmore Ramblers)

Callum Thompson (St Joseph's Boy's)

Marc Walsh (Gweedore  Celtic)

FIXTURES

Tuesday, November 24

U15 International

Republic of Ireland v Poland, Rock Celtic FC, Co Louth (7.00pm)

Thursday, November 26

U15 International

Republic of Ireland v Poland, Rock Celtic FC, Co Louth (12.00pm)

On a crisp night in Co Louth both sides produced impressive performances and the Irish were certainly unlucky not to get at least a share of the spoils.

Ireland went ahead in the 12th minute when Sean Brennan turned home a low cross from livewire wide-man Callum Thompson.

Four minutes later Kacper Nowak forced a save from Irish keeper Kian Clarke but unfortunately for the home side they conceded an equaliser in the 19th minute when Oskar Nowak found the net with a shot from distance.

Five minutes into the second half Oskar Nowak smashed a shot off the Irish crossbar and the home side then launched a counter which saw the dynamic Thompson shoot just over after bursting forward from inside his own half.

In the 51st minute the Poles extended their lead after a low corner was fired in and Paweł Żuk smashed home from ten yards out.

Thompson was unfortunate not to level in the 62nd minute when he drove in from the left and drilled in a low right footed effort which keeper Piotr Zalewski got down well to save.

Adam Idah headed just over from a Marc Walsh cross two minutes later then in the 66th minute Kameron Ledwidge found the head of Barry Coffey but his effort was a matter of inches wide.

Zalewski made another save to deny Walsh 60 seconds later then another powerful Thompson run saw him burst down the right and cross for Idah to thump a header off the crossbar.

Irish keeper Clarke showed his class to keep out a long range effort from Bartosz Marchewka in the 83rd minute then two minutes into injury-time Sean Mahon sent Idah through but once again Zalewski got out well to save.

The sides will meet again on Thursday afternoon at the same venue.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Kian Clarke, Jamin Nwanze, Jason Knight, Ray O'Sullivan, Nathan Collins, Kameron Ledwidge, Sean Brennan, Barry Coffey, Callum Thompson, Adam Idah, Caelin Rooney. Subs: Marc Walsh for Rooney 40 mins; Sean Mahon for Coffey 74.

POLAND: Piotr Zalewski, Karol Smajdor, Marcin Wiśniewski, Maciej Marek, Wiktor Pleśnierowicz, Michał Karbownik, Oskar Nowak, Paweł Żuk, Maciej Rosołek, Kacper Nowak, Konrad Matuszewski. Subs: Bartosz Marchewka for K Nowak 40; Krystian Espersen for Rosołek 59; Łukasz Łakomy for Karbownik 63.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

Tuesday, November 24

U15 International

Republic of Ireland 1-2 Poland, Rock Celtic FC, Co Louth

Thursday, November 26

U15 International

Republic of Ireland v Poland, Rock Celtic FC, Co Louth (12.00pm)

The sides will meet at Home Farm FC's Whitehall ground on Saturday afternoon (3.00pm) then the teams meet once more on Monday afternoon at the same venue (12.00pm).

"These are important games for the players. This age group reached the UEFA U17 Finals in May and for a lot of them who didn't play with the U19s this season it would mean they won't play international football for a year," said Doolin.

"I'm here six years and I've had ten games at U18 level and always felt they were good games but you would like to have more.

"The Czechs have a fixture every month for a year or at least training camps. They are a very good side. We've played them several times and always get good games.

"These fixtures gives us a chance to see what's coming through. There's a mixture of home-based players with players from abroad.

"When we played with a similar group last year we did very well. There are some good players in this group. I've only seen these players so most of them are new to me in terms of working directly with them.

"It's a good opportunity for the players to step up the levels. We'll do the same as we've done with the players and hopefully they will benefit from the experience."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U18 SQUAD:

Eric Donnelly (Shelbourne)

Corey O’Keeffe (Birmingham City)

Luke Wade-Slater (Stevenage)

Brandon Payne (Celtic FC)

Conor McCarthy (Cork City)

Darragh Leahy (Coventry City)

Conor Kane (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Shane Hanney (Shamrock Rovers)

Steven Kinsella (Everton)

Jonathan Lunney (Preston North End)

Leo Donnellan (QPR FC)

Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers)

Liam Brady (Stevenage)

James Doona (Shamrock Rovers)

Jamie Aherne (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Kyle Finn (Coventry City)

Jamie Gray (Stevenage)

Daniel Mandroiu (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Gerry McDonagh (Nottingham Forest)

FIXTURES

U18 International Friendly

Saturday, November 28

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Home Farm FC, Whitehall (3.00pm)

U18 International Friendly

Monday, November 30

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Home Farm FC, Whitehall (12.00pm)

Colin O’Brien’s side lost 2-1 in an exciting game at the same venue last night and the Irish boss was pleased with the performance and will look to build on that display in their second game.

“I was very pleased with the players on Tuesday. It was their first international experience so I was very pleased with how they carried out the elements we’d worked on in training – the attacking, defending and aspects of transition,” said O’Brien.

“They put those things into practice in the game and probably created four or five chances in the second half.

“It was a good start but there’s plenty of things we can work on for the next game tomorrow. The players have an idea now of what the level is but we’re very pleased.

“We spoke to the players afterwards and said that they were the better team for long periods and what was good was that when they did go a goal down they settled down quickly and set about trying to get the equaliser. The winner was from a set-piece so that’s something we can work on defensively. It’ll be a lot more important as they get older.

“The players who didn’t play on Tuesday will get a taste of international football on Thursday and then we’ll have the opportunity to look back at the two games and assess how all of the players coped with their first introduction to this level.”

FIXTURES & RESULTS

Tuesday, November 24

U15 International

Republic of Ireland 1-2 Poland, Rock Celtic FC, Co Louth

Thursday, November 26

U15 International

Republic of Ireland v Poland, Rock Celtic FC, Co Louth (12.00pm)

The Galway native has been in outstanding form since joining Will Doyle's side this season, competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers, WNL Shield, and the new League campaign.

Fahy also played a starring role in Wexford's thrilling triumph in the Continental FAI Women's Senior Cup Final at Aviva Stadium, although she admits to being surprised at picking up the Player of the Month award.

"I was pretty shocked when I found out," said Fahy. "I could list off about 20 players who could have got the award this month and it usually goes to a goalscorer, so I was surprised that I got it as a defender."

Fahy, who has played in United States, Australia, New Zealand, and England, has always been known for her commanding presence and slick passing in midfield, but lately she has filled in at centre-back. It's a new role for her to master.

"I'm still getting to grips with being a defender. I suppose getting the award is satisfying because it proves that I can play there and I've enjoyed it but I never thought that I would play there," said Fahy.

Overcoming challenges is what Fahy and Wexford have done so well this season. Expectations were high after the club won the Continental Tyres WNL last term, but Doyle's team have taken everything in their stride.

Next up is a trip to Bishopstown Stadium on Sunday to take on Cork City WFC. It is a game that the champions won't be taking lightly as they target a second win of the League season.

"It's back to business this weekend with a difficult game against Cork. We played against them recently and I felt that they pushed us really hard. They're results haven't reflected how good they are and how good they can be," said Fahy.

"We had a little break after the Cup Final, but the games will start rolling around quite quickly now so we're looking forward to them. The standard in the League this season is so high and the gap between the teams has narrowed, so we know that we have to be fully prepared for each game."

Fahy, who writes an insightful weekly column for the WNL website, may be humbled with the recognition of the award, but she will fully focused on helping Wexford continue their impressive start to the season.

A noisy crowd of 2,763 in Tallaght Stadium cheered on the hosts, though Spain showed ther clinical side too grab two first-half goals and three points.

Two first-half goals and a last minute strike saw Spain secure any easy three points, meaning Ireland have lost both home games in this qualifying campaign.

The Spanish were very nearly in front on 21 minutes after a near calamity in the Irish defence, after Emma Byrne scrambled away Jennifer Hermoso’s corner.

Karen Duggan attempted clearance ricocheted off an Irish jersey before rattling the post, Aine O’Gorman restored to full back clearing the danger.                        

The Spanish took the lead on the half hour after a continued spell of pressure. Vicky Losada placed her left side foot finish into the corner of Byrne’s net, outside the reach of the Arsenal keeper.

Byrne saved Ireland again four minutes before the break, Hermoso unlocking the Irish defence for Amanda Sampedro, Byrne was out quick to block with her legs.

Karen Duggan and Sophie Perry both blocking Hermoso and Losada’s follow up shots. Hermoso doubled the Spanish lead from the penalty spot one minute before half time after Sophie Perry had bundled the tricky Losada over.

Ireland started the second half with fresh impetus, Rusheda Littlejohn unable to connect with Denise O’Sullivan’s chip through, the closest Ireland had come.

Denise O’Sullivan’s deflected 63rd minute shot, played Sophie Perry in on goal, Perry’s shot couldn’t make it past Dolores Gallardo who had narrowed the angle.

Byrne pushed away Olga Garcia’s swerving edge of the box shot in the third minute of stoppage time only to see the ball ricochet in off Sophie Perry.

Ireland lie in third place in Group two with three points from their opening three games, three points behind second placed Finland.

Republic of Ireland: Byrne, O’Gorman, Fahey, Quinn, Perry, Killeen (DeBurca h-t), Caldwell, Duggan (Roche 80), Russell, O’Sullivan, Littlejohn (Shine 66).

Spain: Gallardo, Serrano, Torrejon, Paredes, Serrano, Garcia, Corredera (Garcia 58), Losada (Alexandra 87), Putellas. Sampedro (Jimenez 81), Hermoso.

Referee: Stephanie Frappart (France).

Colin O'Brien's side came from a goal down at the break to produce a dynamic second-half display to run out comfortable winners in the end.

Sean Mahon had the game's first chance when he volleyed over from the edge of the box in the sixth minute after connecting with a Callum Thompson cross from the left.

Poland took the lead in the 11th minute when the impressive striker Bartosz Marchewka fired in a low strike from 12 yards out which beat the Irish keeper.

Five minutes into the second half Marchewka produced another dangerous strike which was well saved by home keeper Harry Clarke.

In the 59th minute Ireland drew level when captain Kallum Ledwidge rifled to the bottom corner from the edge of the box after a free-kick was laid off for him to shoot.

Two minutes later winger Marc Walsh won a penalty after a probing run and Ledwidge stepped up to fire home from the spot-kick.

In the 74th minute Walsh stamped his authority on the game when he finished off a lightening counter-attack with a brilliant finish from a tight angle to seal the win.

"We were very pleased with the players over the course of the two games they've played this week. They will have a much better understanding of what is required at underage international level after these fixtures," said O'Brien.

"We will be looking at some more players next month and will have some assessments in the Christmas break then look towards our next international fixtures in the New Year."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Harry Clarke, Ray O'Sullivan, Kameron Ledwidge, Callum Thompson, Barry Coffey, Adam O'Reilly, Sean Mahon, Kevin O'Reilly, Tony Mambouana, Oisin McEntee, Marc Walsh. Subs: Caelin Rooney for Thompson 40 mins; Sean Brennan for Coffey 40; Adam Idah for Mambouana 60; Jason Knight for Mahon 75.

The initiative, which is run in partnership with Paralympics Ireland, will see a trial day take place at the FAI National Training Centre on Saturday, December 12 at 12pmfor any men with Cerebral Palsy within the ages of 16 and 30 years old.

The Ireland team, who are managed by Ferguson, finished sixth at the Cerebral Palsy World Cup, but they are now searching for new players who may have Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain injury, or have suffered a stroke, to compete at one of the largest sporting events in the world.

Ferguson has been working hard with his current squad but insists the door is very much open for new players to become part of the group that flies to Rio next summer.

"There has been some publicity about our upcoming trial day and the search for new players, which has given our players a massive lift and that competition for places will bring them on again," said Ferguson.

"We have a new player from Drogheda training with us right now and it's fantastic to see the positive reaction within the squad. I think people are starting to realise that this big event is now coming up quite quickly.

"The Paralympics is one of the top four sporting events in the world so we would like to appeal to any players who might have a slight disability to come down and get involved because this is a fantastic opportunity to represent your country on the world stage."

Ferguson knows all about high expectations from his time as a player in England with Coventry City and from winning two FAI Cups with Longford Town, so he shares the excitement of those who want to be in his final squad for Rio 2016.

The former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international insists that any player with the aforementioned impairments should view this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wear the Irish jersey with the world watching on.

"Some players might not even know that they have a disability that qualifies them for the team, so I would encourage them to get in touch with us," said Ferguson.

"Other players, who are playing at a good level, might not want people to know about their disability but this is a fantastic chance to play for your country in a major international event.

"The players will have access to a sports psychologist, a sports physiologist, a nutritionist, and a strength & conditioning coach; giving them the high performance aspect that players at any top level would have."

Cerebral Palsy football is a 7-a-side game played on all surfaces with a smaller pitch and smaller goals. Check out this video to learn more - https://vimeo.com/144614980

More information can be found at http://www.fai.ie/irelands-next-paralympic-football-star/the-campaign and any queries should be sent to paralympicfootball@fai.ie 

What: Ireland Paralympic open trial
When: Saturday, December 12 - starts at 12pm
Where: FAI National Training Centre

Paul Doolin’s side is made up of a mixture of home-based and UK-based players and he feels the exercise will be worthwhile for the players in the long term.

“Although we’ve just had the players for a very short period of time and you can only do as much as you can in that, you can see that they’re a good group and the players have done well. It’s a good opportunity for them,” he said.

“We did well against the Czechs last year with a similar type of squad. The be all and end all is not the results but more so to prepare them for next year’s U19s. If you can perform and get a result then all the better.

“There are a lot of technically good players so going forward we have good options and if we can get those players to understand their defensive roles too then you have a good all-round player.

“The likes of Conor Kane from St Pat’s and James Doona from Shamrock Rovers have a bit of potential so hopefully they’ll benefit from the experience.”

Meanwhile, Everton’s Steven Kinsella will make his first appearance for his country in more than a year after a string of injuries curtailed his progress. The former Templeogue United winger missed out of the UEFA U17 Championship Finals in Bulgaria last season so is eager to get back in the Ireland shirt.

“It’s about 14 months since I played for Ireland and I’ve missed a lot especially with the team getting UEFA qualification,” he said.

“I was watching the games from Bulgaria on Eurosport wishing I was there. I pulled a muscle before the Elite Phase and unfortunately couldn’t recover the fitness in time.

“Thankfully this season I’ve finally got all my injuries sorted out and now I’m getting games. I got 90 minutes the other week for Everton against Preston at U18s and that was a boost.

“I am looking forward to the rest of the season. I’ve got everything sorted fitness wise. I’m not sure why I’ve been unlucky with injuries. Maybe the demands of full-time training was new to me and I took time to adjust. I’ve gotten stronger and have done a lot in the gum the past year and its paid off. Next year I want to keep playing games and push on.

“I’m hoping to get more game time over the next few days with Ireland. I just want to play and do well. We’ve trained well and have been working on the sort of things Paul wants us to do. We haven’t a lot of time together but we’ve working on the roles and responsibilities we have in the team. The Czechs are usually good sides so I’m looking forward to the game.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U18 SQUAD:

Eric Donnelly (Shelbourne)

Corey Chambers (Bray Wanderers)

Corey O’Keeffe (Birmingham City)

Conor Kane (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Brandon Payne (Celtic FC)

Conor McCarthy (Cork City)

Darragh Leahy (Coventry City)

Jonathan Lunney (Preston North End)

Leo Donnellan (QPR FC)

Shane Hanney (Shamrock Rovers)

Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers )

James Doona (Shamrock Rovers)

Jamie Aherne (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Steven Kinsella (Everton)

Luke Wade-Slater (Stevenage FC)

Jamie Gray (Stevenage FC)

Liam Brady (Stevenage FC)

Kyle Finn (Coventry City )

Daniel Mandroiu (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Gerry McDonagh (Nottingham Forest)

FIXTURES

U18 International Fixture

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Home Farm FC, Whitehall (3.00pm)

Monday, November 30, 2015

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Home Farm FC, Whitehall (12.00pm)

Paul Doolin's side ran out comfortable winners thanks to a Steven Kinsella double plus goals from Daniel Mandroiu and Gerry McDonagh in the first of two friendly encounters with the Czechs. The sides meet again at the same venue on Monday afternoon (12.00pm).

The Czechs looked dangerous early on with Ondřej Šašinka threatening an opener in the 14th minute with a powerful strike from 20 yards out that whistled narrowly over.

Six minutes later a flowing Czech move saw Inter Milan striker Dominik Smékal lead a counterattack before supplying Dominik Breda who swept the ball to Daniel Novák and he set up Ondřej Lingr for a low strike that Irish keeper Eric Donnelly did well to turn wide.

In the 28th minute Shane Hanney had Ireland's first real chance when he shot over from eight yards out after the visitors failed to clear a JJ Lunney corner-kick.

Two minutes later Daniel Novák drew out another impressive save from Donnelly with a low shot that looked set for the bottom corner.

Ireland should have gone ahead in the 33rd minute when Lunney's ball forward was turned in the direction of McDonagh by the energetic Mandroiu. McDonagh burst forward but his powerful strike was well saved by visiting keeper Filip Truksa.

In the 37th minute Ireland went ahead when Mandroiu turned the ball home from a low shot across the face of goal from Trevor Clarke after a deep Kinsella cross from the right.

After the break the Irish took control and on the hour Steven Kinsella curled home brilliantly into the top corner from outside the penalty area after an excellent passing move.

Ondřej Chvěja came close for the Czechs in the 81st minute but he blasted over after the home defence failed to clear a dangerous free-kick.

Ireland went 3-0 up in the 85th minute when Kinsella steered the ball home after keeper Truksa parried a Brandon Payne strike following good work by Lunney.

The fourth Irish goal came in the 91st minute when Gerry McDonagh headed home from a Corey O'Keeffe cross after a Luke Wade-Slater attack down the right.

"It was an excellent performance against a good Czech side and I'm obviously very pleased," said Doolin.

"Although we didn't have a lot of time to work with the players ahead of the game I think there is credit to everybody that the players took the information on board and applied it very well.

"The attacking play was very pleasing and you have to be happy with scoring four goals but I was also very pleased with the defending."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Eric Donnelly, Luke Wade-Slater, Jonathan Lunney, Darragh Leahy, Shane Hanney, Corey O’Keeffe, Steven Kinsella, Jamie Gray, Gerry McDonagh, Daniel Mandroiu, Trevor Clarke. Subs: Brandon Payne for Gray 63 mins; James Doona for Clarke 63; Leo Donnellan for Mandroiu 80.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Filip Truksa, Libor Holík, Prokop Fárek, Ondřej Lingr, Ondřej Šašinka, Dominik Breda, Alex Král, Martin Samiec, Daniel Novák, Dominik Smékal, Ondřej Rudzan. Subs: Patrik Haitl for Novák 46; Ladislav Hejl for Samiec 63; Emil Tischler for Breda 63; Ondřej Chvěja for Lingr 76; Ladislav Mužík for Šašinka 76.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

U18 International Fixture

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Republic of Ireland 4-0 Czech Republic, Home Farm FC, Whitehall

Monday, November 30, 2015

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Home Farm FC, Whitehall (12.00pm)

Paul Doolin's side produced an impressive display to run out 4-0 victors when the sides met on Saturday. Steven Kinsella bagged two with Daniel Mandroiu and Gerry McDonagh also finding the net.

"It wasn't all perfect on Saturday but overall I felt it was excellent. To score four and concede none against the Czechs I'm obviously delighted. It was great and we made some changes. They should be proud of themselves," said Doolin.

"There were some good performances. There was good understanding from the players for a group that hasn't played together much. We always tell the players that they all have a chance.

"There are some things that need to be improved on but you won't get everything in over five days. There are also another ten players who could come into this group but these players have had an opportunity. Home-based players like Trevor Clarke, Shane Hanney and Eric Donnelly all did well.

"Hopefully this is a good start for this age-group. We'll start the players who didn't start on Saturday in the second game and if we can get another performance I'll be pleased. I'm sure it'll be very tough on Monday as they'll want a response naturally."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U18 SQUAD:

Eric Donnelly (Shelbourne)

Corey Chambers (Bray Wanderers)

Corey O’Keeffe (Birmingham City)

Conor Kane (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Brandon Payne (Celtic FC)

Conor McCarthy (Cork City)

Darragh Leahy (Coventry City)

Jonathan Lunney (Preston North End)

Leo Donnellan (QPR FC)

Shane Hanney (Shamrock Rovers)

Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers )

James Doona (Shamrock Rovers)

Jamie Aherne (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Steven Kinsella (Everton)

Luke Wade-Slater (Stevenage FC)

Jamie Gray (Stevenage FC)

Liam Brady (Stevenage FC)

Kyle Finn (Coventry City )

Daniel Mandroiu (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Gerry McDonagh (Nottingham Forest)

FIXTURES

U18 International Fixture

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Republic of Ireland 4-0 Czech Republic, Home Farm FC, Whitehall

Monday, November 30, 2015

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Home Farm FC, Whitehall (12.00pm)

Rachel Kearns opened the scoring for Celtic two minutes into the second half with Jess Nolan doubling the host’s advantage on 65 minutes.

Orla Devanney secured their first win of the season with a clinical strike on 78 minutes, which moves Celtic to sixth in the table.

Meanwhile, champions Wexford Youths WFC continued their 100 per cent start to the season, but didn’t have it all their own way at home to Cork City WFC.

Cork goalkeeper Trish Fennelly denied Rianna Jarrett twice, Lorna O’Connell and Kylie Murphy as the first half ended scoreless.

Wexford introduced Claire O’Riordan and Carol Breen at half-time with Ashling Frawley opening the scoring for the hosts on the hour mark with a powerful run through the defence.

O’Riordan hammered home her fourth League goal of the season on 75 minutes with Breen adding a third after seven minutes from time.

The Dublin derby between Peamount United and Shelbourne Ladies and the UCD Waves v Galway WFC game were both postponed due to unplayable pitches. Both games will be re-arranged in due course.

Wexford Youth’s Women 3-0 Cork City Women
Castlebar Celtic 3-0 Kilkenny United
UCD Waves P-P Galway WFC
Peamount United P-P Shelbourne

Top Performer
Lee Frecklington (Rotherham United)
The Republic of Ireland B international (pictured above) finished off the scoring a 3-0 victory over Bristol City, which was much needed in Rotherham’s fight against relegation in the Championship. Frecklington, a hard-working midfielder, put in a captain’s performance and led by example.

Watch Out For
Steven Kinsella (Everton)
Two goals for Ireland Under 18s in a friendly win over Czech Republic last week served as a reminder of this tricky attacker’s talent. The Dubliner has been plagued by injuries of late but there is no doubting that he has the ability to be a gamewinner when fully fit.

Irish Manager Monitor
In the Championship, Chris Hughton’s Brighton & Hove Albion reclaimed top spot following a 2-1 win over Birmingham City, Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town won 3-0 away to Charlton Athletic, while Lee Carsley’s Brentford are in action on Monday night against Bolton Wanderers.

In League Two, John Sheridan’s Newport County claimed a 3-0 triumph over Luton Town to extend their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions.

Further Afield
In Cyprus, Cillian Sheridan started as Omonia Nicosia drew 2-2 with Enosis. Down in Australia, Roy O’Donovan played the full 90 minutes for Central Coast Mariners as they lost 2-0 at home to Western Sydney Wanderers.

Women’s Focus
Megan Campbell starred and Megan Connolly scored for Florida State University in their 5-0 win over Texas A&M – who had Grace Wright in their line-up – to book their place in the NCAA Women’s College Cup, where they will face Duke on Friday, December 4.

Weekend Stats

Premier League
14 appearances– Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace), Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson, James McCarthy (Everton), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Robbie Brady, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Shane Long (Southampton), Jonathan Walters, Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), John O’Shea (Sunderland), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion)
1 goalscorer– Shane Long (Southampton)
3 un-used substitutes– Eunan O’Kane (Bournemouth), Marc Wilson (Stoke City), Josh Cullen (West Ham United)
1 yellow card– Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)

Championship
22 appearances– Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers), Simon Cox, Derrick Williams (Bristol City), Joe Mason (Cardiff City), Stephen Henderson (Charlton Athletic), Cyrus Christie, Jeff Hendrick, Richard Keogh (Derby County), Sean Kavanagh (Fulham), Sean Scannell (Huddersfield Town), Jonathan Douglas, Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Samir Carruthers, Darren Potter (MK Dons), Alan Browne, Greg Cunningham, Eoin Doyle (Preston North End), Paul McShane (Reading), Lee Frecklington, Stephen Kelly (Rotherham United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday)
2 goalscorers– Daryl Murphy [2] (Ipswich Town), Lee Frecklington (Rotherham United)
4 un-used substitutes– Stephen Ward (Burnley), Alex Pearce (Derby County), Jay Tabb (Ipswich Town), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
3 yellow cards– Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Darren Potter (MK Dons), Alan Browne (Preston North End)

League One
23 appearances– Conor Hourihane, Aidan White (Barnsley), Billy Clarke (Bradfrod City), Damien McCrory, Anthony O’Connor (Burton Albion), Jay O’Shea (Chesterfield), Jimmy Ryan (Fleetwood Town), Aiden O’Brien, Shaun Williams (Millwall), Mark Yeates (Oldham Athletic), Chris Forrester (Peterborough United), Sam Foley, Sam Kelly (Port Vale), Donal McDermott, John O’Sullivan, Joe Rafferty (Rochdale), Niall Canavan, Paddy Madden (Scunthorpe United), Dave Mooney, Glen Rea (Southend United), Anton Rodgers (Swindon Town), Anthony Forde (Walsall), Chris McCann (Wigan Athletic)
3 goalscorers– Conor Hourihane (Barnsley), Shaun Williams (Millwall), James Collins (Shrewsbury Town)
4 un-used substitutes– Callum Reilly (Burton Albion), David Forde (Millwall), Conor Sammon (Sheffield United), Cian Bolger (Southend United)
3 yellow cards– Aidan White (Barnsley), Donal McDermott, John O’Sullivan (Rochdale)

League Two
26 appearances– Seamus Conneely (Accrington Stanley), Rory Gaffney (Bristol Rovers), Barry Corr (Cambridge United), Gary Dicker (Carlisle United), Shamri Fenelon, Rhys Murphy (Crawley Town), Jack Connors (Dag & Red), Clinton Morrison (Exeter City), Jake Carroll (Hartlepool United), Barry Roche (Morecambe), Mark Byrne (Newport County), John-Joe O’Toole (Northampton Town), Graham Burke, Ronan Murray, Alan Sheehan (Notts County), Pat Hoban, Callum O’Dowda (Oxford United), Graham Carey, Carl McHugh (Plymouth Argyle), Adam Barton, Michael Doyle, Brian Murphy, Enda Stevens (Portsmouth), Michael Harriman (Wycombe Wanderers), James Berrett, Kenny McEvoy (York City)
3 goalscorers– Barry Corr (Cambridge United), Rhys Murphy (Crawley Town), Michael Harriman (Wycombe Wanderers)
3 un-used substitutes– Alan Dunne (Leyton Orient), Sean Long (Luton Town), Ryan Sweeney (AFC Wimbledon)
3 yellow cards– John-Joe O’Toole (Northampton Town), Alan Sheehan (Notts County), James Berrett (York City)

Scottish Premiership
7 appearances– Willo Flood, Jonny Hayes, Adam Rooney (Aberdeen), Sean Dillon, Gavin Gunning (Dundee United), Mark Connolly (Kilmarnock), Joe Shaughnessy (St Johnstone)
3 goalscorers– Jonny Hayes, Adam Rooney (Aberdeen), Mark Connolly (Kilmarnock)
2 yellow cards– Gavin Gunning (Dundee United), Mark Connolly (Kilmarnock)

Compiled by GARETH MAHER