Ruesha Littlejohn was the hero for Ireland in Cardiff on Friday, even if their only goal of the night will not go down as a Littlejohn strike.
The veteran returned in midfield from the start in the Cardiff City Stadium, having missed the most recent camp through injury.
It was to be an inspired choice, as Littlejohn was not only Player of the Match but played a crucial role in Ireland's equaliser.
Lily Woodham had put Wales ahead but the hosts did not have the lead for long, as Littlejohn's powerful, speculative shot from 30 yards out crashed off the crossbar and in off the head of goalkeeper Olivia Clark.
Who even thinks of shooting from that far out?!
Olivia Clark's OG from Ruesha Littlejohn's long-range effort has Ireland level at half-time ☘️pic.twitter.com/VUDOHH4Tu4— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 29, 2024
Even if the dubious goals panel have awarded the goal as an O.G. by Clark, it was a welcome attacking return for Littlejohn, and felt as good as an end to her eight-year wait for a goal in green.
Her celebration for the goal took some flak from RTÉ panellists Louise Quinn and Stephanie Zambra at half-time - with Littlejohn laughing off the jabs when quizzed by Tony O'Donoghue post-match.
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Ruesha Littlejohn laughs off Louise Quinn dig after crazy goal v Wales
Ruesha Littlejohn looked almost in shock after Ireland's equaliser against Wales, walking slowly back towards her own half in disbelief before being engulfed by her teammates.
It was a goal that she said came on pure instinct while chatting with RTÉ Sport post-match.
It's been a long time - I haven't had a goal in about seven years, so I don't know what happened but we'll take it!
I've seen it coming back to me and thought, 'I'll just hit it.' It was a bit of a loopy one, but you need a bit of luck in these games and we'll take that. On to the second leg now.
Tony O'Donoghue went on to notify Littlejohn of the abuse she had received from Ireland internationals Louise Quinn and Stephanie Zambra on punditry duty.
Ruesha Littlejohn was named player of the match following Ireland's 1-1 draw in tonight's Euro 2025 play-off first leg against Wales.
Updates: https://t.co/ataDAaChUV
Watch Live: https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7 pic.twitter.com/X2VL5GMTNF— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 29, 2024
Littlejohn laughed off the jabs from Quinn and Zambra, saying that she had been in a "state of shock."
Was it shocking? You know I was practising that in the mirror? You don't believe me?
It's been that long that I didn't really know what to do! It was a wee state of shock, that was it.
A player who has suffered with fitness issues in recent months, Ruesha Littlejohn was essential in a ferocious midfield role on Friday night.
If Ireland are to get the job done next Tuesday in the Aviva, fans will certainly hope for a repeat from the 34-year-old.
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