Lily Agg has had quite the journey during her footballing career.
Spending her early years at Brighton, she would make the move the Arsenal's academy in her late teens. She would go on to make a handful of appearances for the London club, but when a professional contract was offered, she opted to prioritise her education.
What followed was a number of stops around various clubs in England, Wales, and Germany over the last decade.
Few would have predicted that this journey would culminate with a goal that would fire Ireland into the World Cup play-offs, having only made her debut earlier this year.
The midfielder made a huge difference after her introduction in the game, coming on as a first half substitute to replace the injured Ruesha Littlejohn. Coming on during a time when the team were struggling in the middle third, she brought a sense of control both in and out of possession.
Scoring the winning goal was just the icing on top of the cake.
The goal that gave Ireland the lead against Finland. A brilliant header form Lily Agg 💪 #OUTBELIEVE #IRLFIN #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/oL1yHGZRgc
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 1, 2022
Speaking to the media after the game, Lily Agg said it was night she would never forget.
It was surreal, an unbelievable experience. I'm not prepared for this! I'm so delighted...
It felt like it was in the air for ages. I don't know how I found myself so free. I could kind of feel the keeper was coming but I just focused on the flight of the ball. It hit my head and it went in. If it didn't I would have stayed down and claimed a penalty because (the keeper) absolutely clattered my leg...
I don't know if there was any celebration, I was just screaming! Everyone was screaming in my ear. To hear the stadium and everyone going crazy... it's a night I'll never forget.
1 September 2022; Lily Agg celebrates after scoring her side's goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Finland at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Born and raised in England, Agg qualifies to play for the country through her Cork-born grandmother. Now a London City Lionesses player, she received her first ever international call-up back in March. Less than six months later, she has played a huge role in the team securing second place in the group.
Now 28-years old, she in relishing the opportunity to make a mark on the international scene at a latter stage in her career.
While her Irish grandmother is no longer around to see her pull on the green jersey, Agg feels an immense pride in playing for Ireland.
Yeah, Cobh in Cork, my grandma (is how she qualified for Ireland). She's not here with us but she'll definitely be watching over me. I think she has every step of the way. I've had nothing but great luck and I owe that to her...
My partner came over and two of my friends. My mum was going to come with everyone but the expense of the hotels and so on to get everyone over, plus I wasn't sure what role I might play. My mum is going to have the worst regrets, but it was still very nice to have my partner and friends over...
Honestly it's such a special group. The girls, the staff, everyone has made me feel so welcome. It's emotional. I wanted to cry, scream. I need to keep pinching myself. Ultimately all these girls and the staff deserve it. I'm so excited for the future of this team.
Lily Agg will be hoping to play a role as Ireland travel to take on Slovakia on Tuesday evening, with a win needed to have any chance of securing a top seed for the upcoming play-offs.
Regardless of the route they have to take to the World Cup, there is a huge amount of belief within this group that they will get there one way or another.
SEE ALSO: Why Ireland's Slovakia Clash Still Matters For World Cup Qualification
