Irish boss James Scott is hoping to sharpen his players up before the start of the UEFA Women's U17 European Championship Elite Round Qualifiers.
Scott's Girls in Green are gearing up for the qualifiers with a double-header friendly against Iceland next week.
The squad will play the games on Friday, February 14 and Sunday, February 16 in Waterford which will also be their base for the Elite Round clashes in March.
The team scored 21 goals in qualifying round victories against Albania, Lithuania, and Greece and will be hoping that they can continue in the same vein against Denmark, Serbia, and Austria on the road to the finals tournament in Sweden.
Scott believes next week's visitors present an ideal challenge for his players.
"The squad and staff are really looking forward to the games against Iceland," said Scott.
"We played against them twice last year in Iceland and they proved to be excellent opponents, so it will be a very good test ahead of the Elite Qualifiers in March.
"Over the last few months, there has been National Training days and now we have selected 20 players for this double header friendly.
Five of the players are still eligible for the Under-16s and Jessie Stapleton will make her debut at Under-17 level."
The Irish boss is hoping to garner
"Our base for the friendlies will be Waterford and this will also be our venue for the Elite Qualifiers.
"We will be able to familiarise ourselves with the stadium, hotel and training ground. We would like to call on the local people to come support the team in what I’m sure will be two entertaining games."
Republic of Ireland Women's Under-17 Squad
Goalkeepers: Rugile Askalnyte (Bohemians), Leah Hayes (Cork City)
Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (Cherry Orchard), Jenna Slattery (Fairview Rangers), Kate Slevin (Galway WFC), Shauna Brennan (Galway WFC), Therese Kinneavey (Galway WFC), Della Doherty (Peamount United), Rebecca Watkins (Peamount United), Aimee Bates Crosbie [main picture] (Wexford Youths)
Midfielders: Olivia Gibson (Cork City), Aiobheann Clancy (Limerick), Kate O'Dowd (Peamount United), Muireann Devanney (Sligo Rovers), Ellen Molloy (Thomastown United)
Forwards: Aoife Horgan (Limerick), Orlagh Fitzpatrick (Peamount United), Erin McLaughlin (Sion Swifts), Kerry Brown (Sion Swifts), Laura Shine (Wilton United)
International Friendly: Republic of Ireland v Iceland
Friday, February 14
KO 19:00
RSC, Waterford
International Friendly: Republic of Ireland v Iceland
Sunday, February 16
KO 14:00
Tramore AFC, Waterford
