Áine O'Gorman feels Shamrock Rovers are ready to challenge for honours in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division this season after a 2023 season in which they quickly found their feet.
The Hoops' women's senior team ended a nine-year hiatus by returning to the league ahead of last season.
Despite the high-profile signings of O'Gorman, Stephanie Roche and Abbie Larkin among others, manager Collie O'Neill had suggested that last season would come too soon to win the league at the first attempt.
They ultimately finished third, seven points behind champions Peamount United, but this time round, ex-Republic of Ireland international O'Gorman is confident that Rovers can make another step forward.
"We had to be realistic about our expectations last year and we're just hoping to build on that with a new team culture and trying to set new standards," she told RTÉ Sport ahead of the 2024 season, which will see them kick off their campaign at DLR Waves on Saturday.
"Just going back, it was the first year in the league for Shamrock Rovers for a long time so it was just establishing ourselves back in and I think (we were) happy enough with where we finished but this year we'll look to go further, push on and hopefully pick up some trophies."
O'Gorman sees her former club Peamount as title favourites, although she expects the challenge to the Dubliners' crown to come from many quarters.
"We know they're stacked full of quality obviously, won the league last year, playing in Europe this year," she said.
"I think Athlone will be a team to watch as well, Shelbourne strengthening their squad, Wexford as well, so I think it could be one of the most exciting league title (races)."
The 34-year-old will have more time on her hands to focus on club matters after definitively retiring from Ireland duty after a 119-cap career following her participation in last summer's maiden World Cup adventure for the Girls in Green.
"I've taken a step back from international football this year as well so I'll probably have a little more breaks throughout the season which might help me personally," she said.
"But I'm focused as ever to drive home this season and you don't know how many seasons are left in the legs as well so I just have to relish every moment."
But watching from afar, O'Gorman backed Ireland to continue their progression under new permanent manager Eileen Gleeson despite being landed with a tough Euro 2025 qualifying group featuring France, England and Sweden.
"I think the future's very bright and I'm absolutely delighted for Eileen Gleeson that she's got an opportunity at the job," she said.
"I think it's incredibly exciting, obviously a great Nations League campaign, the European Championship we know will be a little bit more difficult but I think the team's building in the right direction."
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