Arsenal midfielder Niamh Fahey returns to the Republic of Ireland line-up for tonight's UEFA Championship Group 4 qualifier against Scotland at Turner's Cross (7.30pm).
Galway girl Fahey missed Saturday's disappointing one-nil defeat to Wales which leaves Ireland playing catch-up in the chase for second spot in the table.
The subsequent victory for Wales over Israel on Wednesday pushed them into second place, level with Scotland on 10 points. Ireland, in fourth on six points, play the first of their two games in hand this evening.
"This was always going to be an important game for us but a win is really essential at this stage of the qualifying process," says Ireland manager Sue Ronan.
"We led 1-0 for a long time away to Scotland before conceding twice late on. The Scots are an excellent side but we'll be ready for the game and hopefully the supporters in Cork can get behind us once again."
Ireland will complete the campaign with an away double-header against France and Israel on September 15 and 19 respectively.
