Tyler Toland and the Republic of Ireland Under-17s fly out to Czech Republic today for the European Under-17 Championships, which begin on Tuesday.

The St Johnston woman, a midfielder with Maiden City, has become a key part of the Dave Bell-managed Irish squad.

Ireland will face England, Norway and the Netherlands next week in their group.

Toland, a student at Deele College in Raphoe, was an integral member of the squad that came through the Elite Qualifiers last month in Belgrade when they defeated Hungary and Serbia and drew with Scotland.

She was named as the Republic of Ireland Under-16 International Player of the Year and in the last year has been capped at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 levels and played every minute of the Elite Qualifiers.

“We’re really looking forward to showing what we can do in the Czech Republic,” Bell said.

“The girls have worked so hard to get to this stage and fully deserve to be playing against the best in Europe.

“It is going to be difficult, we’re under no illusions but this group have shown tremendous character where they have needed to get results and we came through a difficult Elite Round against Hungary, Serbia and Scotland to be here.

“This is going to be a great experience for the players but we’re fully focused on representing this country and fully focused on getting a result in that first game against England.”