Ireland are hoping to overcome England, Hungary and Netherlands in next month’s mini-tournament and book their place in the finals in Iceland and manager Dave Connell reckons his side will get a great test from the hosts.

”I think it’s great preparation because Iceland are hosts for the finals in June and they will have been preparing well so it will be a good test for us,” said Connell. “We have 22 players with us this week and will have to cut that down to 18 so there are a few opportunities to stake claims for places in Cork.

“It would be nice to get a result against Iceland but it’s the performance I will be looking for in this game. We had a good camp in Fota Island a few weeks ago and we’ve had few days together this week so our preparation has been good. The girls are looking forward to the Iceland game and the Elite Phase tournament and I hope people will come out and support them.”

Skipper Jamie Finn, who recently moved from Shelbourne to Raheny United and made her debut in Continental Tyres Women’s National League, reckons the squad are ready for tomorrow’s Iceland test.

“Iceland will be good opponents for us. This game is a very important part of our preparations which have gone well so far. There is a good buzz in the squad and hopefully we will get the home support behind us for this game and the Elite Phase in Cork next month.”

Defender Niamh Prior was forced to withdraw from the squad yesterday following a family bereavement while Danielle Murray picked a knock in training and is unlikely to play.

Republic of Ireland Women’s U17 Squad: Amanda McQuillan, Lauren O’Callaghan, Courtney Higgins, Jamie Flynn, Niamh Prior, Roma McLaughlin, Evelyn Daly, Sarah McKevitt, Eleanor Ryan Doyle, Saoirse Noonan, Aislinn Meeney, Lucy McCarton, Sophie Waters, Jessica Nolan, Fiona Donnelly, Nadine Ryan, Zoe McGlynn, Dearbhaile Beirne, Tara O’Gorman, Chloe Maloney, Louise Craven, Danielle Murray.