Republic of Ireland WNT will be aiming to secure their first points of the campaign when they take on Poland in a crucial UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifier in Gdańsk tomorrow evening.

Ireland were unfortunate not to come away with points from their opening fixtures against France and Netherlands, delivering two impressive performances against top-tier opposition.

Carla Ward’s side will face Poland in a double-header this week, beginning at Gdańsk Stadium tomorrow evening, with kick-off at 5pm (6pm local time). The return fixture will take place at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, April 18, kicking off at 3pm.

Match Details

Fixture: Poland v Republic of Ireland
Competition: UEFA Women's World Cup Qualifier
Date: Tuesday, April 14
Kick-off: 5pm (6pm local time)
Location: Gdansk Stadium
TV: RTE 2 / RTE Player

Match Officials

Referee: Hristiyana Guteva (BUL)
Assistant Referee 1: Svitlana Grushko (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Pavleta Rashkova (BUL)
Fourth Official: Lyubima Banova (BUL)

Team News

Carla Ward has confirmed Ruesha Littlejohn has been ruled out of the match tomorrow night but hopeful of the midfielder returning for the Dublin fixture. 

Press Conference | Head Coach Carla Ward

“We need as much time on the pitch as possible to work on what we want to improve. Being together more helps build confidence and understanding within the group. It’s a really positive step for us.

“The mindset is really good. We’ve got players back in training and everyone has recovered well. We’re in a stronger position than the last camp in terms of having fresh, fit bodies available, which is really important.

“It’s not just about individual chances, it’s about continuing to build collectively on how we want to play. If we keep developing our processes, those ‘nearly moments’ will turn into points. This group is evolving all the time — they’re hungry, always asking how they can improve. That’s exactly what you want.

“I don’t see just two games as important — all six are. We’ve played two, we’ve got four to go, and every single one matters. We want to compete with the best teams in the world, and to do that, we need to pick up points in these games.”

Press Conference | Midfielder Denise O'Sullivan

“I’m feeling good. I went back to Liverpool and have been in great hands there. I’m feeling strong, ready to go this week and really excited for the game.

“It was really tough not playing — I hate missing games for my country. But I was so proud of the girls. They were excellent. We defended really well, were very organised, and I think we did well in possession too.

“It was a great performance, but now it’s about turning those performances into points.

“It’s great. We need as much time on the pitch as possible to work on what we want to improve. Being together more helps build confidence and understanding within the group.”

Republic of Ireland WNT Squad - Poland Double-Header

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton FC), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Sunderland).

Defenders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal FC), Anna Patten (Aston Villa FC), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest), Jamie Finn (Sunderland), Maria Reynolds (Shamrock Rovers).

Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (Liverpool), Tyler Toland (Durham), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Jess Ziu (West Ham United), Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne).

Forwards: Saoirse Noonan (Celtic FC), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Nottingham Forest - loan), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current - loan), Amber Barrett (Strasbourg).

FIXTURE DETAILS

Poland vs. Republic of Ireland
FIFA Women's World Cup European Qualifier
Tuesday, April 14 | Gdansk Stadium | 5pm (Irish Time)
Republic of Ireland vs. Poland
FIFA Women's World Cup European Qualifier
Saturday, April 18 | Aviva Stadium | 3pm
Both matches LIVE on RTÉ2 / RTÉ Player.