Make Abbie a Girl in Dream

Parents tell of teenage star's World Cup longing

- SEAN MURPHY

THE family of Ireland’s youngest squad member has revealed her dream has always been to play for the Girls in Green at the World Cup. 

Abbie Larkin, 18, was so young when she made her full international debut that her mum and dad had to sign her out of school for the match.

Proud parents Ethel and Robert spoke about their daughter as the family waits for manager Vera Pauw to announce her final squad, possibly on Thursday.

Ethel said: “She’s always said that she wanted to play for Ireland. She was 16 when she did it.

“We had to go to the school and ask for permission to take her out, so she could play for Ireland.”