Ireland to host Uefa Cup holders Arsenal

The Republic Of Ireland Women's squad will warm up for their vital Uefa Championship qualifying tie against Italy on February 16th by welcoming Arsenal to Dalymount Park for a friendly game on Thursday February 7th at 7.30pm.

The Gunners became the first British team to win the coverted trophy last April having defeated Swedish kimpins Umea over two legs in the final. Republic Of Ireland senior Internationals Emma Byrne , Ciara Grant and Yvonne Tracy were part of the victorious squad.

Ireland have made a splendid start in their Uefa qualifying series , winning three of the opening four fixtures , and share the leadership of Group 2 with Sweden and Italy in nine points.

However , manager Noel King recognises that the toughest challenges await his side. Ireland resume their competitive fixture list on February 16th by meeting the Italians in Sardina , which will be followed by another away assignment against Hungary on April 23rd.

The reigning European Champions are certain to provide Ireland with a tough test which manager Noel King believes will be enormous benefit to his team.

" We need to play against quality opposition such as Arsenal , to ensure we develop a sharpness going into the Italy match next month , " he said.

" To play against a top notch team like Arsenal just over a week ahead of the Italy game will help us achieve that.

Arsenal have a team featuring the best player's from across Britain and have a reputation for playing a stylish brand of football.

I know it will be a difficult match but there is no point in organising easy games at this stage. Our only defeat in the group so far came against Italy last May when we lost 2-1 in Dublin , so the girls are keen to put that result right when we go to Sardina in four weeks time "

Becky Spencer should start for Arsenal then as Brynie should be in the Irish side. This should be a good game , it's a shame it's on a Thursday otherwise I'd of gone to this.

Shame it is a midweek game and I have no more annual leave, I would have gone as well.
It is a Great britain XI against Ireland more or less :
Spencer Scott White Asante Phillip Ludlow Carney Sanderson Smith Yankey Fleeting
It could end up 5-0 for Arsenal.

Were you planning on a trip to Dublin then?

I love going there, but the late ko means missing the last ferry back to Holyhead
It'd cost over £100 with tha car plus having to kip in Dublin or Dun Laoghaire overnight.

I'll go Ireland 1 Arsenal 4

Arsenal in Dublin, nifty!

How are the ROI Women's team? Any use?

I think they're ranked higher than Wales

Edit:

Found a site of rankings:

England 10
Scotland 26
ROI ranked 27
Wales 44
N Ireland 61
Palestine 157

That was updated 14.1.08

I just added Palestine as they are rated bottom, just so you can see where the rest of the teams from these islands stand relatively.

Germany are top btw.

I'd like to go to this game.

I work Thursday's though and Dublin is a good bit away.

At least you don't need a ferry - and please note my edit

Are you going over by ferry?

Too costly if I go by car - and will need to pay for a hotel / B & B as well.

And - it seems impossible to book as a foot passenger (apart from day trips) - but would have travel probs when over there and still need a hotel

I don't know why they make these friendlies for mid-week , those of us that would have to travel miles and can't get the time off have to miss out. It's such a shame.

I may have to call in sick

Sorry to hear about your ill-health mate

I guess the Arsenal girl will be queuing to have a go and try to put one past Emma in that game.

Only problem with that is Emma knows all their tricks

I don't think the ireland defence will be able to handle the Great Britain team

You raise a good point there Maybe I should change the poll to ' how many goals will Ireland concede '

Emma will probably concede about 3 before she realises Arsenal are the opponents, not who she's playing for
She'll be wondering why they are scoring so many own goals