Anna Patten granted international clearance to play for Ireland
Anna Patten admits she is delighted to get the opportunity to integrate into the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team after receiving international clearance from FIFA.
The 24-year-old defender required a change of Association and has now been given the green light to be eligible for the EURO 2025 qualifiers against France (April 5) and England (April 9).
Patten's Irish roots connect back to her Grandfather Donald Coyle who hailed from Falcarragh in Donegal and her Grandmother Bridie Coyle (nee Conroy) who was from Lettermore in Galway.
"I'm delighted to be in with the Ireland squad," enthused Patten.
"I was super excited when Eileen (Gleeson, Head Coach) gave me the call and now to have the clearance come through is great. This is a really strong squad and I just want to bring what I can to it to help the team.
"My Grandparents have always been my greatest supporters and they have really motivated me to work hard to succeed in my career, so I'm delighted to be able to represent Ireland through them."
Patten linked up with the Ireland squad on Monday as they began preparations for their opening qualifiers in Group A3.
FIXTURES
UEFA EURO 2025 Qualifier
Group A3
France v Ireland
Friday, April 5
Saint-Smyphorien Stadium, Metz KO 20:10 (Irish Time)
LIVE on RTÉ2
UEFA EURO 2025 Qualifier
Group A3
Ireland v England
Tuesday, April 9
Aviva Stadium KO 19:30
LIVE on RTÉ2
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND WNT SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes).
Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (Reading - on loan from West Ham United), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Anna
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