Ireland Women’s National Team Head Coach Eileen Gleeson is keen to give opportunities to young, home-based players and Eva Mangan is the latest to avail of that.

The 19-year-old has been in excellent form for Cork City in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division but was a somewhat surprise inclusion in the WNT squad for the EURO 2025 qualifying double header against Sweden. Except for Gleeson that is.

SECURE YOUR SEAT FOR IRELAND V SWEDEN

By keeping a close eye on what is happening within the domestic game, Gleeson was able to track the progress of the midfielder and identify her as a player who could be called up to the senior squad to test herself in that environment.

Mangan’s audition with the WNT is the latest in a line of similar opportunities already afforded to Peamount United trio Jess Fitzgerald, Freya Healy and Ellen Dolan – all of whom have been part of the squad in recent months.

There are currently 12 players in the WNT squad who have either played or currently still play in the league. Gleeson wants to keep that tradition going. 

However, don't be fooled into thinking that Mangan is a token inclusion. The Ballygarvan girl can play. And she showed that in her first session with her new team-mates at the FAI National Training Centre.

It is up to Mangan to keep impressing Gleeson and her coaching staff in order to remain in the mix with the WNT. But this is still very early in her career and the exposure to training with players at senior international level will undoubtedly aid her development.

For so many other players excelling in the League of Ireland, this is good news because it shows that the Irish coaching team are paying attention and willing to give a chance to those who can stand out.

UEFA EURO 2025 QUALIFIER
Ireland v Sweden
Friday, May 31
Aviva Stadium
KO 19:30