Republic of Ireland senior women's international Denise O'Sullivan is fit to lead the U19 Women's team when they play hosts Serbia for top spot in Group 1 of the UEFA European Championship First Round.
Both sides have already qualified for the second round after beating Cyprus and Latvia but Ireland must win tomorrow's game to take the group as Serbia have a better goal difference.
Eighteen-year-old O'Sullivan, who has scored four goals in eight appearances for Sue Ronan's senior side, missed the 11-0 win over Latvia on Monday after picking up an ankle injury in the 3-0 win against Cyprus last Saturday. However, the Cork Women's FC striker responded well to several days of intense treatment from team physio Jenny Branigan and team doctor Dr Tom Boyce and took a full part in training today. She reported no reaction afterwards to leave Connell with a full strength squad to select his starting XI from.
"They are a good side and beat us last April so we know what we are up against. It is going to be a difficult match, there is no doubt about that but the girls are up for it and I am confident that they can deliver come the big match," said Connell.
Greencastle's Gemma McGuinness, who is the only member of the squad to have scored in both group games, said the side are determined to head into the Second Round as group winners.
"We're delighted to have done the job with a game to spare and there's a real buzz about the group now after winning and scoring so many goals. The aim now is to top the group when we play Serbia on Thursday but they have beaten Latvia 15-0 and Cyprus 10-0 so we know it will be very difficult. If we take play well and take our chances we believe we can win," said McGuinness
Republic of Ireland U19 Women's Squad: Jillian Moloney (GSA 95 Phoenix Red, USA), Courtney Brosnan (PDA Slammers, USA), Denise O'Sullivan (Cork Women's FC), Emma Hansberry (Castlebar Celtic), Claire Shine (Cork Women's FC), Kelly Halligan (Blackburn Rovers), Gemma McGuinness (Greencastle FC), Rihanna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Grace Wright (Challenge FC, USA), Ciara O'Connell (Cork Women's FC), Katie McCabe (Raheny United), Shauna Newman (Raheny United), Carys Johnson (Everton), Emily Cahill (Peamount United), Lauren Murphy (Cork Women's FC), Chloe Mustaki (Peamount United), Sinead O'Farrelly (Raheny United), Orlagh Nolan (Shamrock Rovers).
Group 1 Details
Results
October 20: Republic of Ireland 3 Cyprus 0, Sebia 15 Lativa 0
October 22: Republic of Ireland 11 Latvia 0, Serbia 10 Cyprus 0
Fixtures
October 25: Serbia v Republic of Ireland, Cyprus v Lativa, 1pm (Irish time)
Table
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
GD |
| Serbia |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
0 |
6 |
+25 |
| Rep of Ireland |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
0 |
6 |
+14 |
| Cyprus |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
13 |
0 |
-13 |
| Latvia |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
26 |
0 |
-26 |
