Stapleton the Irish sponge keen to learn from the best

It's scarcely believable that seven years after being first called into a Republic of Ireland senior training camp, Jessie Stapleton only left her teenage years behind in February.

The 20-year-old was first called into the fold by Colin Bell in 2018, as he ran the rule over a number of Irish-based players, a move that surprised her and her family as much as anyone.

"My dad got an e-mail and we thought it was a joke, we didn’t know what was happening," she told RTÉ Sport’s Tony O’Donoghue.

Last week’s 4-0 victory over Greece was her 12th cap, rounding off a solid performance in either box with a goal to her name to scoop the player of the match award.

With stalwarts Niamh Fahey and Diane Caldwell enjoying international retirement, Stapleton, currently on loan at Sunderland from West Ham, is earning her stripes at the heart of the Irish defence alongside Anna Patten.

Greece will be looking to avoid back-to-back Nations League defeats to the Girls in Green in League B Group 2, but anything other than a home win at Tallaght Stadium would be a major setback in the early days of Carla Ward’s reign.

Captain Katie McCabe will not feature against the Greeks owing to suspension, but playmaker Denise O’Sullivan has already spoken of her desire to see others step up into leadership roles, something Stapleton is keen to prove.

"I feel like I have been around for years," she says. "I want to keep developing, keep a stamp on this football team.

Jessie Stapleton talks to Tony O'Donoghue ahead of Ireland's Nations League clash at home to Greece. There's live coverage on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7pm, live commentary on 2fm with Game On and a live blog on https://t.co/G8AkhvMD8g and the RTÉ News app. pic.twitter.com/rWHcm6ZnCd — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 8, 2025

"When I’m sitting around the table with them, the likes of Katie McCabe, Denise O’Sullivan and some of the senior players who carry themselves so well, I’m able to learn so much.

"I try to take that into my own game."

Stapleton is being viewed in some quarters as a mainstay in the Irish defence, her temperament and assured play suggesting a prosperous international career.

The former Shels player acknowledges her early taste of senior football has held her in good stead.

"It was good to get that experience at such a young age. It has helped me become the mature, good head on my shoulders sort of player that I am."

Watch Republic of Ireland v Greece in the Women's Nations League on Tuesday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary on 2fm's Game On.

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