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Ireland avail of granny rule to call up Brighton keeper Megan Walsh

Brighton goalkeeper Megan Walsh has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the W...



Brighton goalkeeper Megan Walsh has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers with Slovakia and Georgia. 

The ex-England underage international qualifies for Ireland through her Wexford-born grandfather, William Walsh.

Walsh has received international clearance just in time for the forthcoming double-header at Tallaght Stadium.

She'll challenge Courtney Brosnan and Grace Moloney for what has occasionally been a tricky position for head coach, Vera Pauw.

"It is a real honour and privilege to be called up into the Ireland squad," Walsh said, "I was with Rianna Jarrett, Denise O'Sullivan and Megan Connolly at Brighton last year when my Irish heritage came up and things went from there.

"It has taken about 12 months to finally get here. I am excited at the opportunity to be part of the Irish Women's Team and to work with Vera."My Grandparents, on my Dad's side, were from Enniscorthy, County Wexford, where we still have family. I know they would be so proud of me being part of the Women's national team."

Shelbourne midfielder Jessica Ziu has also been added to Pauw's squad, with injury taking its toll on her original panel.

Wexford's FAI Women's Cup final hero Ellen Molloy has been ruled out, as have Liverpool's in-form striker Leanne Kiernan and Glasgow's Claire Walsh.

Shels' 16-year old defender Jessie Stapleton had already been called up on Monday, along with Celtic's Isibeal Atkinson and Emily Whelan of Birmingham City.

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Brighton Megan Walsh Republic Of Ireland Vera Pauw WSL