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Cian Cheesbrough
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Katie McCabe will captain the Republic of Ireland at their first ever Women's World Cup
Katie McCabe will captain the Republic of Ireland at their first ever Women's World Cup

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Irish World Cup squad announced

Katie McCabe has been named in the Republic of Ireland's Women's World Cup squad — but Aoife Mannion and Megan Campbell have missed out through injury.

Arsenal ace McCabe, 27, will captain the Girls in Green in their maiden appearance at the tournament, which kicks off against co-hosts Australia on July 20.

Manchester United defender Mannion sustained a knee injury towards the end of the Women's Super League season and has not recovered in time to make the 23-player selection.

Liverpool centre-back Campbell has struggled for fitness of late and is another high-profile omission.

Manager Vera Pauw said medical staff did everything in their power to get the duo on the plane Down Under but it eventually proved not possible.

The Dutch boss, 60, said: "We tried our best but it is impossible. We did everything for them to give them the chance to get fit.

"With all the expertise we have involved, no stone has been left unturned, but unfortunately the timing is not on our side.

"It is so hard to tell players you break their dreams. They were devastated, of course. My heart is with the players who have not made the squad."

Pirlo back in Italy

Andrea Pirlo is back in management with Serie B side Sampdoria
Andrea Pirlo is back in management with Serie B side Sampdoria

Former Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo has been appointed manager of Serie B side Sampdoria.

Pirlo, 44, had been without a club since leaving Turkish Super Lig outfit Fatih Karagumruk in May, guiding them to a seventh-place finish in his solitary campaign in charge.

The Italian World Cup winner was in charge of Juventus during the 2020-21 season, winning the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup before being sacked after finishing fourth in Serie A.

His task on his return to Italy will be to secure Sampdoria's immediate promotion to the top flight following their relegation last term.

Demi Stoked to sign on

Demi Stokes has extended her stay with Manchester City
Demi Stokes has extended her stay with Manchester City

England defender Demi Stokes has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester City.

Stokes, 31, has been with the Citizens since 2015, making 199 appearances in all competitions and winning seven trophies.

She said: "I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity to keep doing what I love doing, and that's playing for Manchester City."

Euro 2022 Stokes winner endured a difficult season in 2022-23, making only three Women's Super League appearances due to illness and injury.

The Lioness added: "It was a difficult season for me last year, but I feel this will be a reset button that will allow me to kick on.

"I've always said that Manchester City is my home, so it was a no-brainer to extend my stay here for myself and my family."

Luton seal first signing

Chiedozie Ogbene has joined Premier League newcomers Luton
Chiedozie Ogbene has joined Premier League newcomers Luton

Premier League new boys Luton have made their first signing of the summer with the capture of Republic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene from Rotherham.

Ogbene, 26, will join the Hatters when his contract with the Millers expires on July 1.

He scored eight goals in 39 games as Rotherham finished 19th in the Championship last term.

The Nigerian-born ace said: "I'm delighted to be here as a Premier League player because of my journey and where I've been in the last five and a half years.

"My former coach said one in 200,000 [would make it to the top] — I guess I'm that one.

"My journey is special to me. I come from Rotherham where I achieved some great things with some great people. 

"But to be considered a Luton player with an opportunity to feature in the Premier League was an opportunity I couldn't turn down."

Lucy on Standby

Lucy Staniforth has joined up with Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses
Lucy Staniforth has joined up with Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses

Lucy Staniforth skipped a holiday in Ibiza in order to help England prepare for the Women's World Cup after being added to their standby list.

The Aston Villa midfielder replaced injured Manchester City forward Jess Park and joins defender Maya Le Tissier as Sarina Wiegman's back-up options.

Staniforth, 30, had not been expecting the call and revealed she was set to jet off to Ibiza with her mum yesterday.

She said: "My mum was buzzing and of course wanted me to go.

"I was supposed to go to Ibiza with mum on Monday which is obviously very unfortunate. But she wasn't bothered about Ibiza.

"She will still go on her own. If anyone sees someone on their own in Ibiza, she's looking for a bit of company"

Tags

SampdoriaSerie BPremier LeagueLuton TownEnglandWomen's World CupAston VillaManchester CityManchester City WomenIreland