Republic of Ireland international Niamh Fahey is poised to make his 100th appearance for her country, but while she's proud of her achievements so far, she still feels that she has plenty to offer as she targets World Cup qualification.
The Liverpool defender made her international bow back in 2007 in a 1-1 draw with Portugal and is poised to complete her century in the forthcoming Pinatar Cup invitational tournament.
Ireland are first in action against Poland on Wednesday and will face two other teams between then and 22 February in the eight-team competition.
Manager Vera Pauw confirmed on Tuesday evening that Fahey would be making the landmark appearance in the game, and the player admits that there’s a degree of tension as she approaches it.
"Over one of the three games I hopefully will make the 100th cap," the Galway native said before the team selection had been confirmed.
"It’s an amazing thing to be on the verge of doing but it’s also a bit of a distraction because you’re waiting for that; 'am I going to get the start or am I not?’
"When it happens I’m going to be very proud but at the minute I’m a little bit on edge waiting to see what’s going to happen."
Fahey has seen significant growth and development in the women’s game during her time as an Ireland player but admits that the fact that she’s yet to play at a major tournament is something that rankles with her.
Ireland have closed the gap on the top teams under Pauw’s management and currently sit second in their World Cup qualifying group, which could be enough for a play-off place.
With time turning against her, Fahey is desperate to experience a major tournament and she believes that Ireland are well placed to make a serious push for the 2023 World Cup.
"One of the biggest things I have is not having made the step to a major finals," she said. "I’ve managed to make 99 caps so far but the biggest thing is not being at major tournament and that’s something I want to happen.
"It’s great having all these caps but not making a finals is a disappointment so hopefully that will happen in this campaign.
"We’re in a good position. We’re obviously in a tough group but I think so far, we’re second, we’ve put ourselves in a strong position and we’ve got tough games coming up but I’m very confident that we can do it, we can finally get across the line.
"We have a lot of leaders in this group, there’s a lot of experience with the likes of Denise [O’Sullivan], Diane [Caldwell], Louise [Quinn], you’ve got leaders everywhere and that’s a really strong position for the whole team.
"It would mean everything, it would be the pinnacle of my career if I was able to get us to a final and create history.
"It would mean absolutely everything and hopefully we can do it. We’re in a strong position, we have the quality and we’ll see. We have some tough games coming up."
Part of the quality that Fahey mentions comes in the shape of the squad’s younger, emerging players.
With teenagers like Abbie Larkin, Jess Ziu and Ellen Molloy all forcing their way into the squad, Fahey is one of the elder stateswomen helping to guide the next generation of players.
"I see a lot of these younger players coming through and their technical ability is outstanding for their age," she said. "The level has just gone up a lot compared to when I was as a younger player.
"For me it’s just about guiding them. I’m not someone who’s over-imposing, it’ll be a little bit of advice here and there or a little bit of encouragement – ‘well done’ and maybe what you could do better.
"It’s great to see these players coming through and the future’s really bright for Ireland."
