Player with Offaly links now eligible to represent Ireland

Celtic defender Caitlin Hayes is now eligible to represent the Ireland women's national team.

Playing for Celtic in the Scottish Women's Premier League, Caitlin - who turns 28 today (Friday) - has been training with the Ireland squad this week ahead of securing her Irish citizenship.

Eligible through her Offaly-born grandfather (James Hayes), the centre-back could be in contention to make the match-day squad for the UEFA Nations League game against Northern Ireland tomorrow (Saturday), September 23.

Born in Warrington, England, Caitlin came through at Everton before attending Mississippi College and then launched her senior career with Lewes ahead of joining Celtic in 2020.

Speaking about the opportunity to play for Ireland, Hayes said: “This is a dream I’ve been chasing for a while. Words can't describe the feeling. It’s incredible to come into this environment and learn off these girls and hopefully I can bring something to the table.”

Caitlin offers a new option in defence for Ireland interim head coach Eileen Gleeson as Ireland prepare to kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign at the Aviva Stadium in front of what should be a record crowd.

An interview with Caitlin can be viewed via the following link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXz4XC0ZK6o