Player of the match Niamh Fahey was proud of her Liverpool teammate and international counterpart Leanne Kiernan’s performance against Italy.
Playing on the left wing, Kiernan replaced Izzy Atkinson soon after halftime and seemed to score the sole goal of the match, only for it to be deemed offside. Kiernan certainly made a memorable come back as she returned to play for Ireland for the first time since she took on Zambia in June 2023.
73’ | Leanne has it in the back of the net but it’s ruled out for offside 😩
Keep it pushing 👊#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/LEZiDnGlpQ— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 23, 2024
The cause behind Kiernan’s absence from the World Cup and the Nations League campaign was a knee injury that also ruled her out of most of last year’s club season with Liverpool.
On club level, Liverpool captain Niamh Fahey has seen Kiernan develop as a player within the Women’s Super League (WSL) since the Cavan native signed with the side in 2021. Speaking at a post-match conference, Fahey reflected on Leanne’s undeniable growth as a player, both internationally and at Liverpool.
“First I'm so delighted Leanne is back on the pitch, feeling good and back to herself as well”, said Fahey on Kiernan’s return to the girls in green.
Regarding her teammate's goal she added,
“She was so unlucky, I mean I don’t know if it was offside or not but it’s still a great finish and also the counterattack and move and a great ball by Amber.”
“But just for Leanne personally she’s had a really tough time with the injury and i’m so happy for her that she’s back now to her level as well. Obviously she’s still building up her minutes but she’s a massive massive plus to have at Liverpool and Ireland so yeah, she just needs a run of form and a bit of good luck now and injury free and that’s all it is really.”
“Hopefully that’s behind her and she can continue to push on because she has so much talent and the impact she makes is unbelievable so i’m delighted for Leanne as well.”
All the love for Fahey! 😅#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/eyXyQa4HA5
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 23, 2024
A new lineup was put in place this evening that featured a back four defence. This adaptability, combined with calling up exceptional players who were previously absent could be the method to Eileeen Gleeson’s success.
Indeed, by drawing with Italy, Fahey, Kiernan and the Irish national team proved they were able to hold their own against an elite European side. Ireland will be hoping to do similar against Wales on Tuesday ahead of embarking on their Euro qualifiers after being promoted to Nations League A.
