Roma McLaughlin behind Champions League week with Shelbourne today

Roma McLaughlin begins the 2017 Women’s Champions League this afternoon as Shelbourne face Polish champions Medyk Konin in Belfast (2pm).

The Greencastle woman is expected to start for the Reds, who have three games in the Champions League this week.

Shels, last season’s Women’s National League winners, take on Finland’s PK-35 Vantaa on Friday before meeting Linfield next Monday.

McLaughlin signed for Shelbourne at the start of the 2017 season.

The midfielder was previously with Peamount and was the Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-19 Player of the Year in 2016.

She said: “I’ve really enjoyed the season so far and getting to play alongside the likes of Alex (Kavanagh) and Leanne (Kiernan) every week is a real positive for our development.”

McLaughlin has recently broken into the Irish senior squad and can’t wait to get into Champions League action.

She said:  “It’s a huge moment in our careers to be playing Champions League football and we can’t wait for the challenge.

“We’ve clicked as a team in the last few games. We’re really looking forward to it.”