The Brunnell player was included in James Weldon’s 12-woman squad having overcome a cruciate ligament injury picked up during club action last January and following her 2024 cup win.

The Cork woman, who made her club return in December, missed out on last year’s European qualifier defeats to Israel and Latvia.

Ireland will be buoyed by her return but sit bottom of their group ahead of clashes with world No 3 France away and Latvia at home following four defeats.

Weldon has handed call-ups to Liffey Celtics trio Áine O’Connor, Hazel Finn and Sorcha Tiernan after their National Cup success.

Claire Melia is also included having excelled during her first season in the FIBA Euro Cup – averaging 9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists for her Spanish club team Ferrol.

“Edel Thornton’s return is welcome after a long-term injury with her past experience in the USA, along with Claire Melia and her current experience in the FIBA Euro Cup and playing in Spain will be important for us,” said Weldon ahead of the crucial fixtures.

Ireland Squad: Abigail Rafferty (Oakland Wolves, England), Áine O’Connor, Hazel Finn, Sorcha Tiernan (Liffey Celtics), Amy Dooley (Portlaoise Panthers), Bridget Herlihy (Unicaja Baloncesto, Spain), Lauryn Homan, Edel Thornton (Brunell), Claire Melia (University of Ferrol, Spain), Kate Hickey, Sarah Hickey (Waterford Wildcats), Michelle Clarke (Killester).

FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers

Thursday, February 6: France v Ireland, 6.15, TG4 Player

Sunday, February 9: Ireland v Latvia, 5pm, TG4 Player