Ward a big chance for fringe stars

IRELAND head coach Carla Ward has named a 23-player squad for Ireland's friendly double-header away to the USA - and there are some big-name absentees.

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

Arsenal's Champions League winning star Katie McCabe has been given permission to skip the games. Ward said earlier this month that the Tallaght native was “on the verge of burnout" after a busy season.

Also unavailable for selection are Aoife Mannion, Heather Payne, Tara O'Hanlon, Jamie Finn, Lily Agg, Jess Ziu and Leanne Kiernan.

Shelbourne midfielder Aoibheann Clancy is also out. Ward, her staff and players have sent their condolences to Clancy following the passing of her mother, Siobhan.