The destination is Turkey. The opponent is Russia. The objective is to make the most of two international friendly games so they help with upcoming qualifiers.

The Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-19s have already undertaken a home-based training camp this year but nothing beats games against quality opposition, so that is what is next on their agenda.

Dave Connell has selected a strong squad for a trip to Antalya, Turkey with the focus very much on using this period to prepare his players for their UEFA WU19 European Championship Round 2 games in April.

Ireland will take on Czech Republic, France and Greece in an effort to qualify for this summer’s tournament so any good work done in Turkey will surely benefit them for those crucial games.

Connell has given a first call-up to Peamount United’s Michelle Doonan, while a number of players who have found new clubs in the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League are included, such as Jenna Slattery, Becky Watkins, Erin McLaughlin and Emma Doherty.

Republic of Ireland WU19 Squad
Goalkeepers: Rugile Auskalnyte (DLR Waves), Ciara Glackin (Athlone Town)
Defenders: Abigail Tuthill (Shamrock Rovers), Jessie Stapleton (Shelbourne), Della Doherty (Wexford Youths), Therese Kinnevey, Jenna Slattery, Shauna Brennan (Galway WFC)
Midfielders: Aoibheann Clancy (Wexford Youths), Nicole McNamara, Kate Slevin (Galway WFC), Eva Mangan (Cork City), Melissa O’Kane, Emily Corbet (Athlone Town), Maria Reynolds (Shamrock Rovers), Olivia Milner (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Becky Watkins (Wexford Youths), Erin McLaughlin, Michelle Doonan (Peamount United), Emma Doherty (Sligo Rovers), Kerryanne Brown (Sion Swifts), Aoife Horgan (Central Connecticut State University)

Fixtures
February 18 | Republic of Ireland v Russia, Emirhan Sports Centre, KO 16:00 (13:00 Irish Time)
February 21 | Republic of Ireland v Russia, Emirhan Sports Centre, KO 12:00 (9:00 Irish Time)