On the comeback from injury, Leanne Kiernan is bringing a spring freshness to the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team’s summer World Cup hopes.
After eight months on the sidelines with an ankle injury she picked up on the opening day of the WSL season, the Liverpool star described her first running attempts as similar to that of a “a new-born lamb” and explained that her “hunger to come back and play has been crazy.”
"It had been so long, it must have been five months since I ran. It was crazy, learning to run again, use my legs again,” Kiernan said.
What it’s all about 💚
What a day at the #WNT Open Training session 🙌#COYGIG | #WeAreOne | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/QPYl3dSfn1— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 16, 2023
Speaking at the WNT’s open training meet on Friday, in which she scored the only goal in the 11 vs 11 match which closed out the session, the Cavan woman emphasised the importance of setting targets in her recovery routine.
“I always like working towards goals, I think that's where I do best” she says.
"I know it's been horrific that I missed the whole season, but it was great when Amber scored that goal [to qualify Ireland for the World Cup] because I always had this to work towards.
“You're always pushing and pushing…Of course you have doubts in your mind, but it was always my end goal.
It's been a lot of hard work and I don't want to look at a gym again, but it's been good!"
Great morning for our Girls teams in UCD Bowl as they got to see the Ireland Women's National Team hold an open training session as they prepare for the World Cup. The girls were thrilled and delighted to get to meet their heroes too...⚽🟢⚫#COYGIG #FIFAWWC 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/DZexy13rQd
— Shankill F.C. (@shankillfc) June 16, 2023
“Buzzing” to be back in Ireland camp because she “missed the girls”, Kiernan outlines that what while she lacks in minutes played throughout the season she brings a rejuvenated set of eyes and legs to football now. She’s hoping that that may stand to her when it comes to booking a spot amongst the 23 selected on the plane to Australia and New Zealand by Vera Pauw.
“I've been... not resting, but I haven't been on my legs as much as everyone else this year. I'm hoping I have that advantage of being fresh and ready to go” she says.
"I feel really confident in myself and my ability, hopefully that's enough.”
While the Ireland World Cup squad is yet to be finalised, Kiernan can be assured that at least her club future is steadfast, which is unfortunately not the case with some of her fellow international teammates.
"I'm lucky I know 'Beardy' [Liverpool manager Matt Beard] a long time… He trusts in my ability and he knows what I can do" she explains.
"It was nice to know that I had another year to my contract [after the injury], because I had a fair idea I was going to miss most of the season after the surgery.
"Football can be a cruel game, as you can see with Megan [Campbell], but no doubt she'll come back mentally stronger from this and do well elsewhere."
16 June 2023; Leanne Kiernan during a Republic of Ireland women open training session at UCD Bowl in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Campbell, as well as captain Katie McCabe will integrate into the training camp on June 21st, while Kiernan and her colleagues were also joined by West Ham’s Izzie Atkinson today having been brought in this week as training player.
Kiernan and her team will now continue to prepare for the upcoming friendlies before jetting off to Oz, beginning with the Zambia friendly next Thursday at Tallaght Stadium.
SEE ALSO: Periodisidation, Mannion's Injury: The Big Talking Points From The Ireland WNT Training Squad Naming
