Tyler Toland expressed delight at her long-awaited return to the Republic of Ireland fold after putting in a Player of the Match display in the 3-0 win over Northern Ireland on a historic day at the Aviva Stadium.
The Girls in Green got their UEFA Women's Nations League campaign off to the perfect start, watched on by more than 35,000 spectators, as the senior women's side played at the Lansdowne Road venue for the very first time.
It was also the first game since the parting of ways with Vera Pauw. Toland, who had not been selected by the now former Ireland manager since November 2019 after a falling out when she was an unused substitute for a game against Greece, started and provided a platform in central midfield.
"I'm delighted to be back," the 22-year-old told RTÉ Sport at full-time after receiving her award.
"Obviously, we picked up the three points today. We had a great team performance and that's a performance to build off on Tuesday against Hungary.
"I'm delighted to be back and nothing makes be prouder than playing for my country."
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 23, 2023
Player of the match Tyler Toland speaks to Tony O'Donoghue after Ireland's 3-0 win over Northern Ireland in their UEFA Women's Nations League opener.#IRLWNT #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/a3NYv2yMM6
"We've a lot of talent here in Ireland. My job is just to help the team and that's what I did today. At the end of the day we came out with the victory, three points and we move forward."
Having missed Ireland's maiden World Cup appearance during the summer and almost four years before that, the Donegal native spoke of her pride at wearing the green jersey again.
"All I can say is I'm absolutely delighted to be back and nothing makes me more proud to play for my country."
Of the opportunity to play at the Aviva Stadium, she added: "It's a very proud day to be Irish. It's absolutely incredible, so many people coming out to support us and hopefully it continues this way."
Interim manager Eileen Gleeson, who lauded the "solid" Toland for taking her opportunity with aplomb, also praised the "amazing support" from the stands.
"What a day. Super proud of the girls, solid performance, three goals, clean sheet, really good day all round," she said.
The match saw Denise O'Sullivan given more attacking freedom in front of fellow midfielders Toland and Megan Connolly and Gleeson said providing more support for centre-forward Kyra Carusa, who got the second goal, had been the plan.
"That's what we wanted to get, a second forward up to give us a little bit more of an outlet, get Denise a little bit higher up and keep a nice two pivots to give us a bit of security."
Gleeson also reserved praise for defender Caitlin Hayes of Celtic, who marked her debut with a strong performance just a day after having her international status confirmed.
"I'm proud to play for a club like Celtic and even prouder to play for a country like Ireland."
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 23, 2023
Ireland debutant Caitlin Hayes sums up her feelings after a whirlwind 24 hours. #IRLWNT #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/SkxOKFTacb
"She was solid, she was good going forward, confident to drive in, good on the ball. We're super happy to have her," said Gleeson.
Hayes, who is eligible for Ireland through her paternal grandfather from Offaly, revelled in the opportunity to start at short notice.
"I don't think I've had many better 24 hours, just honoured and privileged to wear this shirt," she said.
"I've been waiting for a long time to play on this team. I've been admiring from afar for a very long time."
