The Malta women's team are due for their baptism of fire on local soil on Wednesday when they meet Ireland at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, at 6.30 p.m.

For the Maltese this match will be the third in their Group Five programme, after having played Romania, Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia, all away, in the past weeks.

The Irish squad, under coach Declan McIntyre, will be made up of: Boyle Sharon (Shamrock Rovers), Curtain Marie (Lifford), Curtis Stefanie (Bristol Rovers), Gee Sylvia (UCD), Gibbons Ronnie (Fulham), Grant Ciara (Arsenal), Hislop Laura (Franklin Pierce College), Hughes Sonia (Franklin Pierce College), Kett Jennifer (Christian Brothers University), Kierans Grainne (Leeds), Merrigan Emma (Stella Maris), O'Toole Olivia (Shamrock Rovers), Scanlan Claire (Leeds), Taylor Kate (St James' Gate), Thomas Denise (Central Connecticut State), Thorpe Caroline (UCD), Treacy Yvonne (Arsenal), Walsh Michelle (Leeds).

Malta coach Pierre Brincat will shortly prune down his 31-strong squad made up of the following:Abdilla Jackie, Agius Tessie, Agliano Nora, Attard Vanessa, Azzopardi Maria, Camilleri Catherine, Caruana Sarah, Coates Jane, De Agostino Rebecca, Debono Francesca, Demanuele Chantal, Dimech Nina, Farrugia Esther, Fenech Chantal, Galea Christine, Galea Leslie Ann, Gatt Roxanne, Deguara Marisa,Mazzitelli Isabelle, Pace Tasha, Saliba Kathleen, Saliba Vickie, Sammut Fallon, Sammut Sandra, Scicluna Alexia, Shead Lyndsay, Tagliaferro Rita, Theuma Dorianne, Tonna Dionne, Vella Joanne, Zahra Michelle.

Ireland are currently second in the group with five points after one win and two draws. They beat Bosnia at home 6-0 and drew against Croatia (0-0 away) and Romania (2-2 home).

Croatia are leading the standings with seven points.