Wexford Youths defender Lauren Dwyer is doing everything in her power to make sure she's 100% fit for Sunday's EVOKE.ie FAI Cup final showdown with Shelbourne as she recovers from a sore hamstring.
Dwyer missed the league game between the two teams at Tolka Park, a remarkable occasion that saw Shels clinch the title thanks to a 3-2 win, coupled with Peamount United's 5-2 loss against Galway United.
The composed centre-half has been a massive part of Wexford Youths being able to boast the best defensive record in the division this season, and though her prep for Sunday hasn't been ideal, the 25-year-old Carlow woman expects to be okay.
"It's getting better," she said. "I haven't done anything since last Thursday so I'm hoping another day or two of rest will be good for it. Even if my leg's falling off I want be out on the pitch!" she said at Monday's media day ahead of the showpiece final.
"I want to give myself every chance. It feels good. I have every confidence in it. It's just whether or not my leg holds up, but fingers crossed. We'll see what happens on Sunday.
"You don't know what's going to happen, it could go either way. We're going to give 110% and I know Shels will too. They are a phenomenal team. We're going to have to be all guns blazing."
Dwyer has experienced lifting the FAI Cup with Wexford at the Aviva Stadium. Now, the competition climaxes in Tallaght as a standalone fixture as opposed to a curtain-raiser for the men's decider.
The decision to move the game from Lansdowne Road has divided opinion but Dwyer expects the smaller ground will lend itself to a bigger atmosphere.
"I was in the stands at Tolka," said Dwyer. "It was a crazy atmosphere. You could hear the roars... it was phenomenal, and it was great for the league as well. You thought Peamount had it wrapped up.
"Unfortunately they took their foot off the pedal. Everyone is fighting - and in fairness Galway had a phenomenal game; we were keeping an eye on it. Shels stuck to their guns and I think they've been the best team all year.
"The scenes were unbelievable. I think it was a showcase for what's to come on Sunday in Tallaght. Anyone who has any interest in soccer should come to it. I think it's going to be a great game. You've two top teams coming up against each other and it's going to be a battle.
"There should be a good crowd. I think everyone at the club has 10 or 12 family members coming up. I'm actually looking for more tickets!"
Dwyer still harbours hopes of forcing her way back into the Republic of Ireland fold and was thrilled to see her old club boss Tom Elmes get the gig as Vera Pauw's No 2 earlier this week.
Having first played for Elmes at Carlow IT she's well aware of what he'll bring to the role, adding: "I'm absolutely thrilled for Tom. Hopefully he might have a string or two to pull! Really it's all down to yourself at the end of the day.
"If you're not playing well you're not going to get a chance. Hopefully that will stand to me at some stage and I get a call-in."
Follow Shelbourne v Wexford Youths on Sunday, 5.30pm, via our liveblog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app, watch live on RTÉ 2 and the RTÉ Player or listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra.
