Littlejohn, Campbell & Connolly Make a Comeback for Wales Showdown: Key Players to Watch

Ruesha Littlejohn, Megan Campbell, and Megan Connolly return to the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2025 play-off against Wales. However, Eileen Gleeson will miss injured centre-half Louise Quinn. Quinn is recovering from a hip injury and could not play in the previous semi-final against Georgia.

Ellen Molloy is also out due to a hamstring injury, and Cork City’s Eva Mangan is unavailable as well. Gleeson feels encouraged by the return of experienced players. Littlejohn and Connolly contributed to the team’s victory over France in July but have been absent since then, with Connolly dealing with a hamstring issue. Campbell, a valuable player known for her long throw, returns after missing the last three matches.

Other players missing include Lucy Quinn with an ankle injury, Jamie Finn with a knee injury, and Jess Ziu, also out due to a knee issue. Despite these absences, Ireland has enough depth in its panel to compete strongly in the upcoming matches.

Wales’ coach Rhian Wilkinson announced a 26-player squad, including veteran Jess Fishlock. Fishlock aims to lead the team to its first major tournament. Sunderland attacker Ellen Jones replaces Charlotte Lee in the squad following Wales’ win against Slovakia.

Republic of Ireland Squad:

• Goalkeepers:

  • Courtney Brosnan (Everton)
  • Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses)
  • Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic)

• Defenders:

  • Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland, on loan from West Ham United)
  • Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich)
  • Niamh Fahey (Liverpool)
  • Aoife Mannion (Manchester United)
  • Caitlin Hayes (Celtic)
  • Anna Patten (Aston Villa)
  • Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses)

• Midfielders:

  • Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
  • Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
  • Megan Connolly (Lazio)
  • Lily Agg (Birmingham City)
  • Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers)
  • Ruesha Littlejohn (London City Lionesses)
  • Heather Payne (Everton)
  • Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns)
  • Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace)
• Forwards:
  • Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave)
  • Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace)
  • Amber Barrett (Standard Liege)
  • Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool)
  • Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United)