Connell announces Ireland Women's U19s for Norway friendly.

REPUBLIC of Ireland Women's U19 head coach Dave Connell has announced his squad for a friendly game against Norway at Dublin's AUL Complex next Wednesday, June 25 (7.00pm).

Connell's side are preparing for this summer's UEFA Women's U19 Championships Final tournament in Norway where Ireland have been grouped with England, Sweden and Spain in Group B.

This fixture comes in the middle of intensive training that the Irish squad are working through with Connell and his staff to prepare for the finals.

"We organised to play this game when we met at the draw. They're not in our group so it's a good quality game for us," said Connell.

"We saw them at La Manga in March. They're a good side and it gives us good competition ahead of the finals.

"Clare Shine and Katie McCabe are recovering from injuries. Amy O'Connor is unavailable, Rachel Doyle has an injury so is doubtful. A few other players were not available. Lisa Casserly returns as she wasn't available due to sitting her Leaving Cert recently and we've brought up a few players from the U17s.

"We're looking to see who is in form as that is who we will bring to the finals so it's a big week for the girls. We have 24 players in and will play some training games and we can bring 18 to the finals so it's a very competitive environment while some of the younger players will benefit from the experience."

Ireland have qualified for the UEFA Women's U19 Championships finals tournament for the first time. England and Sweden met in the 2009 final, with England winning. The Swedes captured the title two years ago while Spain were champions in 2004.

The Irish fixtures are: Tuesday, July 15: Republic of Ireland v Spain, UKI Arena (6.00pm); Friday, July 18: England v Republic of Ireland, Mjøndalen Stadium (6.00pm); Monday, July 21: Sweden v Republic of Ireland, UKI Arena (6.00pm).

The top two go into the semi-finals on July 24, with the final three days later at the national arena, Oslo's Ullevaal Stadium.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND:

Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne)

Caoimhe O'Reilly (Castlebar Celtic )

Savannah McCarthy (Listowel Celtic)

Lauren Dwyer (Wexford Youths)

Keeva Keenan (Shelbourne)

Jamie Finn (Shelbourne)

Ciara O'Connell (Wilton United)

Chloe Mustaki (Peamount United)

Ciara McNamara (Hollyhill LFC)

Shannon Carson (Holyhill LFC)

Shauna Newman (Raheny United)

Sarah Rowe (Castlebar Celtic)

Lisa Casserly (Galway WFC)

Lauren Boles (Castlebar Celtic)

Ciara Rossiter (Wexford Youths)

Aisling Frawley (Wexford Youths)

Amber Barrett (Greencastle FC)

Rachel Doyle (DLR Waves)

Roma McLaughlin (Greencastle)

Hayley Nolan (Peamount United)

Katie McCabe (Raheny United)

Jess Gargan (Peamount United)

Megan Connolly (College Corinthians)

Clare Shine (Raheny United)

FIXTURE

Wednesday, June 25

WU19 Friendly International

Republic of Ireland v Norway, AUL Complex (7.00pm).