Leanne Kiernan says she is "raring to go" for the Republic of Ireland's final warm-up match before Vera Pauw names her 23-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Liverpool forward missed much of the past season due to a serious ankle injury but returned in time to be involved in the party of 31 that are in contention for tonight's friendly against Zambia at Tallaght Stadium (live on on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7pm), before the squad is whittled down for the Girls in Green's major tournament debut next month.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport's Adrian Eames, the Cavan native admitted it had been a long road back to the cusp of possible inclusion in a historic moment for the national team.
"The first game of the season in September, I got my syndesmosis redone, so getting some plates put into my leg. But I'm raring to go now," she said.
"Anybody in my position would be delighted to get here so it's just about doing my best in training and hopefully getting on that plane."
Having featured in matchday squads in the latter stages of the Women's Super League upon returning from injury, she allayed any fitness worries, adding that she was "feeling good".
But the long lay-off meant she missed the final part of Ireland's qualification campaign including the historic night when Amber Barrett's winning goal in the play-off against Scotland in Glasgow sealed Ireland's place in the World Cup where they have been grouped with co-hosts Australia, Canada and Nigeria.
"It was very tough. My family came over to watch the game with me in Liverpool but listen, we've got there and I'm feeling very confident about Australia," she said.
"It's massive. Everyone's looking forward to the next few weeks. It's a dream come through. Every little girl and everyone growing up around us is looking at us as role models and the goal was always to get to a World Cup and a big tournament, and here we are.
"We're feeling confident. We're not just going there to show up. We know our ability and we trust in the staff to put us right on the pitch."
Watch Republic of Ireland v Zambia on Thursday night from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
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