Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe has been rested for the upcoming friendlies against the USA at the end of June. This decision comes after her pivotal role in Arsenal's Champions League victory and her participation in the Republic's Nations League fixtures.

Several key players, including Aoife Mannion, Heather Payne, and Leanne Kiernan, will also miss the trip to America. Long-term absentees Jamie Finn, Lily Agg, and Jess Ziu remain sidelined, while Aoibheann Clancy will not travel due to personal reasons.

Defender Hayley Nolan has been recalled to the squad after her impressive performance during the Republic's last visit to the USA in April 2023. Midfielder Ellen Molloy has also been rewarded for her stellar form with Wexford in the Women's Premier Division.

The Republic of Ireland will face Emma Hayes' USA team in Denver on June 26 and in Cincinnati three days later. Head coach Carla Ward emphasized the importance of these matches as preparation for the Nations League promotion play-off against Belgium in October.

"When these games were first proposed to us, we knew that we would be without certain players, but that opens the door for others to step up," Ward stated. "We are building, camp by camp, so we are looking forward to getting together again and putting in some extra work that will stand to us moving forward."

Ward's side finished second in Group B2 behind Slovakia, narrowly missing automatic promotion on goal difference. The upcoming friendlies against the USA provide an opportunity for the team to refine their strategies and strengthen their cohesion on and off the pitch.

"We will be coming up against the best team in women's football, so we will have a plan for those games, but it's also important that we make the most out of this camp as a whole," Ward added.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Unattached), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic)

Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Megan Campbell (Unattached)

Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Ruesha Littlejohn (Shamrock Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Ellen Molloy (Wexford)

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Saoirse Noonan (Celtic), Erin Healy (Adelaide United), Izzy Atkinson (Unattached)