Ruesha Littlejohn made her League of Ireland debut on Saturday evening. She scored and was named player of the match as Rovers drew 1-1 with reigning champions Athlone Town.
The 87-capped Ireland international is a huge addition to the League and there was a noticeable spike in attention around Saturday's fixture.
Asked after the game if her presence might spark similarities to a Women’s Premier Division version of a ‘Damien Duff effect’, she played down her notoriety in that regard.
“Maybe we’ll see. We need to start winning games or else people won't be turning up so hopefully we can fix that for next week,” she says.
Without doubt however her appearance in the league will attract a new audience, perhaps tapping into the abundance of viewers she continues to garner across her social media and podcast platforms.
Some would say that with such power comes responsibility, but such an onus isn’t one Littlejohn shies away from.
Following their playoff loss to Wales that saw them fail to qualify for this summer’s Euros, the 34-year-old took the opportunity to call out the need for more focus on the technical ability within Irish football.
Speaking after Saturday's game, it’s an area she still feels passionate about.
“I think there's loads to it, it's not just one fix,” she explains.
“Technically, everyone from very young has to get a football at their feet and start working with a football and enjoying it. At 17 or 18 it's too late, it's got to start from young on. Look at other nations and how they do it.
“I’m not saying to come away from our DNA of being hard to beat and being passionate, being physically, they are our strengths, so we’ll have to stick to that too, so it’s just in moments we have to look after the ball, be calm and be relaxed under pressure.
“Here in Ireland, it's part time, so you can see the lure as to why young players might want to move abroad and play full time football.
“So I think there’s a lot to sit down and go through, but something has got to change or else we’re probably letting down the young ones that are going to start coming through.”
Having her in the League can only be a good thing.
