Wexford Youths striker Ellen Molloy has not given up hope of making a sensational return to the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup.
Molloy suffered an ACL injury in action against Treaty United last September that massively diminished her chances of making it to Australia and New Zealand this July.
The 18-year-old admits time is against her in the battle to force her way back into Vera Pauw's plans, but Molloy hasn't thrown in the towel yet.
"Definitely the second half of the season," she replied when asked when she'd be back on the pitch.
"I don't want to put a definite date on it, I don’t want to get my hopes up and I don’t want to rush it either. So I’m hoping maybe June or July. The second half of the season anyway.
"I haven’t given up [on the World Cup]. I’m just going to do everything I can, but every girl in the country is going to do everything they can, so we’ll just wait and see."
It's been a hard road back for Molloy, who was speaking at the FAI's announcement of their 50-year anniversary celebrations of the Ireland women's team.
She's hoping to study teaching at college, but is currently focused completely on getting her knee right.
"It's been really tough," added Molloy. "For the first few months it was almost like a loss of identity. It kind of put things into perspective as well; you are not going to play soccer forever, so what are you going to do afterwards?
"It’s definitely a dream of mine to go to England. When it happens, I don’t know. If I get injured again, I can’t not have a back-up plan. It’s definitely on the cards, a dream and a goal of mine to go to England and play professional. But at the same time, I do value education.
"Vera is in touch every now and again to keep up with my progress.
"She is just asking me how I'm getting on, and I say I’m doing good. That’s all I can say, I’m not going to force myself into the team. I’m just going to stay quietly doing what I can. If I’m ready and if she sees that, we’ll just wait and see what happens."
Molloy joined former players Jackie McCarthy-O'Brien, Samantha McCarthy, Linda Gorman, Olivia O'Toole and Sue Hayden at the FAI's announcement of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
The association plans to honour every player who has ever represented the women's side with a special commemorative cap.
"I was very shocked that I was the one chosen to be here," said Molloy. "It’s a great honour and privilege. They've set the standard and the foundation for the women’s team as it is today. I’m very grateful to them as well.
"It was lovely to hear the game has grown from when they started; it's really eye opening."
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