Republic of Ireland Coach Sue Ronan has named her squad for the Algarve Cup

The tournament, which consists of twelve teams, will mark the nineteenth edition of the Algarve Cup, an invitational women's football tournament held annually. The Republic of Ireland Women's seniors have been drawn in Group C, and will face Hungary on February 29, Wales on March 2nd and Portugal on March 5th.

Ronan said, "I'm looking forward to getting the squad together for the Algarve Cup at the end of the month. We haven't been together since our European Qualifying game v Israel in October, so the 4 games we will play in this tournament will be vitally important as we prepare for the next game in the group, which is away to Scotland in April."

Ronan also praised the new Bus Eireann Women's National League for nurturing talent for the senior squad. "This time of year is always a problem for us in terms of the match-fitness of our players because some are only in pre-season with their clubs. However for a change it's the opposite at home where our new Bus Eireann Women's National League is in full-swing and as a result, our home-based players are in tip-top shape!

"Also the quality of the games these players are now getting on a weekly basis is a big plus and can only benefit the international teams in the coming years. Already it has led to Sara Lawlor, Peamount United FC, being named in the squad for the first time. Sara has played underage football for Ireland, but her outstanding performances in the WNL to date for her club, sees her included for the first time at this level."

Dora Gorman (Peamount Utd & U-19 Captain) and Emma Mullins (Castlebar Celtic) have also been included following their strong performances to date in the league.

From those playing abroad Ruesha Littlejohn (Liverpool Ladies) and Sophie Perry (Chelsea Ladies) get their first call-ups to the squad.