Rising Longford soccer star Michaela Hand selected for the Republic of Ireland Women's Under-16 squad against England

Michaela, who began her soccer career with Stonepark FC and now plays with Athlone Town, captained the Longford Schoolboys League U-14 Kennedy Cup team in Limerick in June of this year and also plays ladies football with Grattans and Longford. 

Head Coach Tom Elmes has issued first call-ups to two new defenders in Charlton Athletic's Camille Adams and Arsenal's Sophia Leonard.

Having beaten Faroe Islands in back-to-back games recently, the work continues with this new group of players and they will embrace the challenge of coming up against England.

Ireland Women's Under-16 Squad

Goalkeepers: Jenna Willoughby (Shelbourne), Laura Fanning (Shamrock Rovers)

Defenders: Abigail Bradshaw (Peamount United), Aibhlinn Cotter (Treaty United), Camille Adams (Charlton Athletic), Emma Gaughran (Shelbourne), Kaitlyn Delahunty (Shamrock Rovers), Kate Jones (Treaty United), Michaela Hand (Athlone Town), Sophia Leonard (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Aoife Sheridan (Shelbourne), Ava Mullins (Galway United), Beatrice Silckaite (Shelbourne), Heather Loomes (Galway United), Lauren Bowe (Reading), Madison McGunane (Pike Rovers)

Forwards: Aisling Meehan (DLR Waves), Katie Ray (Shelbourne), Anna Butler (DLR Waves) Lily Anne O'Meara (Wexford Youths), Ella Kelly (DLR Waves), Leah McGrath (Wexford Youths)

International Friendly

England WU16 v Ireland WU16

Wednesday, October 25

St. George's Park, England

KO 1pm