The new Ireland’s Women’s National Team boss Carla Ward has to cope with the loss of eight key players ahead of their opening 2025 UEFA Nations League campaign. Ireland will host Türkiye on February 21 in Tallaght Stadium before travelling to Koper to face Slovenia the following week. These will be the first set of six games, with Greece also in Group 2, as Ireland aim to seal top spot and qualification to League A ahead of the qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ward was unable to call on the quintet of Louise Quinn, Tara O’Hanlon, Lily Agg, Jamie Finn and Jess : who all have knee injuries. That comes on top of the decisions of Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell to retire from international football. “The goal is to win the Nations League, to aim for the A League. That has to be the aim. That is why I am here,” said Ward today. Charlton Athletic midfielder Melisa Filis, who qualifies through her Mayo-born mother, has been called up for the first time after receiving FIFA international clearance. Ward said: “She is hard working, aggressive, front footed. This is an opportunity for her. “This is as experienced a squad as we could pick at this stage. “I was gutted when I heard about the recent retirements. I spoke to Julie Ann and talked about her being involved. I think she has a lot to offer. But you have to respect their decisions. They have had a tremendous influence on the team, all three.” Ward refused to be drawn on the situation surrounding Colin Healy who was not kept on as assistant manager by the FAI. Ward said: “It happened before I arrived. I have nothing but good things to say about Colin and Eileen. “I can only go on what I see and read. I would not like to know the ins and outs. My focus is on the next camp. “Katie is a world class left back. She can play anywhere. But we are going to utilise her to the best of her abilities. She is a top player. She can offer us so much.” Ireland WNT Squad Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Unattached) Defenders: Heather Payne (Everton), Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland – on loan from West Ham United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses), Katie McCabe (Arsenal) Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Ruesha Littlejohn (Unattached), Marissa Sheva (Unattached), Melisa Filis (Charlton Athletic) Forwards: Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United) Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.