Throughout the whirlwind of their latest qualification campaign the Irish WNT have bonded together in the chaos to form a “very close-knit group” says Heather Payne, or should we say ‘Window’ Payne as she’s known to the Girls in Green.
Dubbed such by Niamh Fahey and Katie McCabe, there’s one thing crystal clear for the Ballinasloe native, the unity of the squad will only serve them come kick off at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗗𝗣 🇮🇪
There was great excitement at half time in Eamonn Deacy Park as Irish Internationals Niamh Fahey and Heather Payne met United's young fans who wished them luck as they head off down under for the World Cup! 🏆😍 pic.twitter.com/sCbPRXgooV— Gaillimh Aontaithe (@GalwayUnitedFC) July 1, 2023
“Niamh Fahey called me that I don't know how long ago, and somehow it started to stick. Katie [McCabe] and Fahey will always call me Window no matter what.”
“I don't mind it, you know, it's a funny nickname and you know, why not?
“It's a very close knit group and you can see even over the past few weeks how everyone was very disappointed for the girls that didn't make it just shows you know, us being more worried about the girls that didn't make it than be worried about yourself who did.”
With the reality of the impending tournament “starting to hit now”, she says was ecstatic to be named one of the 23 squad members that will be heading Down Under, although surprised to be listed amongst the defenders, and not her usual playing position under Vera Pauw as a forward.
Incredibly honoured to be representing Ireland at the Women’s World Cup this summer 💚☘️ https://t.co/f1h5Kb3Yb3
— Heather payne (@_payneheather) June 28, 2023
“I know it's a bit surreal”
“I've been a forward for the past two years and now I'm named as a defender, but, you know, I've been put into this new role as a wingback, which I personally really enjoy.
“I've never really played up front until Vera put me there, so that was a brand new role for me to take on and I was happy to do it, but of course, I'm a lot more comfortable playing on the right as a wingback. So I think that's where it needs to be.”
No Payne, no gain for Ireland
Congrats to Seminoles Heather Payne and Megan Connolly on making the Irish National Team to compete in the World Cup 👏 pic.twitter.com/IW7X2Z5blA
— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) June 28, 2023
Not paying head to Ireland’s Group B tag as the ‘Group of Death’, the 23 year old, who recently concluded her stint at Florida State University, believes they too can cause problems amongst the matchups of Australia, Canada and Nigeria.
“We have a very tough group, you know, Australia they're the hosts so they're going to have their whole nation behind them. I know we played them two years ago and we got a good result against them, but this game is going to be completely different and we’re going to be prepared for that” Payne says.
“They're calling this a group of death for some reason, but we're in the group as well.
“We're all really looking forward to each of the games, each game is going to be a big challenge, but, you know, we'll just take one at a time.”
With her parents, brother, sister and extended family travelling to watch her and her teammates compete in Oz Payne is optimistic to take everything in an enjoy the overall experience.
“I'm just looking forward to getting there. I've never been to Australia myself, so that's really exciting” she says.
“And just to be part of a tournament like this is absolutely incredible, so I think that's the main thing.”
As expected, former SDFC stars @Niamh_Fahey1 and Heather Payne are named in @FAIWomen @FAIreland world cup squad - great day for them and their families @kengag @LiverpoolFCW @endaderenzy @TmcGooner @opd @FloridaState pic.twitter.com/Y2JJG2PEIs
— Salthill Devon FC (@salthilldevonfc) June 28, 2023
