Returning from injury, Leanne Kiernan played the first half of Ireland’s eventual 3-2 win over Zambia on Thursday, albeit the opening exchanges in which she was involved proved a nervy affair and saw the Girls In Green heading into the break 1-0 down.
Prior to this she had just 40 minutes of match playing time under her belt this year given she suffered a severe ankle injury on the opening day of the WSL season with Liverpool last September, but the Cavan woman enjoyed soaking up the opportunity to be back out on the pitch in an Ireland shirt.
“It's been a while” she says.
“First start probably in over a year for football, but no! I'm feeling good, training has been going well the last two weeks so I'm feeling positive.
“As a young kid I always want to represent my country and to represent at a senior level and have a chance of going to the World Cup. That's like a dream come true.
“It was really nice to be back with the girls and felt nice to be back in Tallaght stadium playing with the crowd. So yeah, looking forward to the next few days to see what it brings.”
'To score for Ireland is the best thing you could ever do!'
Amber Barrett scored her first goals since Hampden last night, and she was buzzing after the game. #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/sGRkthFe0P— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 23, 2023
Leanne Kiernan’s taking the squad competition in her stride
With Amber Barrett, Claire O'Riordan and Abbie Larkin amongst those who impressed during the game, Kiernan is all too aware of the stiff competition there will be to make it into Vera Pauw’s final 23 that will compete at the World Cup.
That said however, she still has her “fingers crossed” she’ll be selected.
“It's great to see the girls, listen we want to be going into that World Cup with wins under our belts so it's positive of course, and it's great to see all the girls given the best opportunity to take their chances” she says.
“The [squad selection] is sometime next week, so we're brought in for a few days and then we're told… I just think what's meant to be will be and what's for you won't pass you”
“It's out of your control so relax and see what's to come.”
22 June 2023; Leanne Kiernan of Republic of Ireland during the women's international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Zambia at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
With that 'Que Sera, Sera' mindset in tow, it’s easy to see how Leanne Kiernan kept motivated and positive during the nine months she was side-lined with injury.
“You know, when you're lying out in the gym for nine months and you just do anything to get the opportunity just to be in and prove a point and do well in training."
“Listen, I know I worked hard the last nine months so let's see what happens.”
With the weekend off before the bedlam of camp resumes next Monday, she’s looking forward to relaxing and taking a mental break before dreams will either be shattered or made next Thursday.
22 June 2023; Leanne Kiernan of Republic of Ireland during the women's international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Zambia at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
