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Denise O'Sullivan sets rules of engagement for Greek collision

Denise O'Sullivan: 'I love representing Ireland'
Denise O'Sullivan: 'I love representing Ireland'

Denise O'Sullivan had an important announcement to make at the Republic of Ireland's pre-Greece press conference.

"I mean, I got engaged," she beamed, holding up her hand to show off the ring. "Where we had our second date, at a park, pretty chilled."

The big moment happened last month but it's added to the feelgood factor around the Ireland camp this week.

Greece were beaten 4-0 in Crete last Friday thanks to a vastly improved second-half Irish showing, triggered by the introduction of Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva.

McCabe picked up a yellow card before the hour mark, which means she's suspended for the Nations League rematch in Tallaght tonight. Kyra Carusa is also out with a quad injury, but confidence levels are rising again after February's disastrous 4-0 loss in Slovenia.

As always, a lot of responsibility will rest on the shoulders of O'Sullivan, now just 12 caps shy of Emma Byrne's all-time appearance record of 134. An indefatigable creative presence in the engine room, she's been doing the business for the Girls in Green since 2011.

So much achieved; so much more to do.

"It means a lot," she said of wearing the armband, which she'll pull on for the fourth time in McCabe's absence.

"I love representing Ireland. You can see it on the pitch that I never give less than 100%. Having the armband is a bonus.

"Every single cap is like the first one for me. They mean a lot. Playing for your country is the pinnacle and I love it. I’ll keep going and if I can get more caps to pass Emma out, I’ll be happy. She’s an absolute legend and what she’s done for her country is amazing."

Boss Carla Ward admitted her squad have pored over the insipid first-half display against Greece four days ago. Ireland lacked the aggression to unsettle opponents 35 places below them in the world rankings, and it took the introduction of McCabe and Marissa Sheva to help them go up a level.

It must be better in Tallaght.

"I think we did deep dive (on the performance) as a team," O'Sullivan reflected.

"We sat down together and in the first half we discussed what we could really improve on. In the second half, as Carla said, there were also things that we could have improved on as well. So I think, looking at both halves, seeing what we could do better and also what we can bring to the game as positives.

"We have a lot of leaders on the team, young and experienced. Me and Katie are not going to be around forever, so it’s about 23 players and they all make a difference when they go on the pitch, they all love playing for their country. Whoever is on the pitch will give 100%. Whether me or Katie are on the pitch or not, we want the team to flourish and do well."

If Ireland can beat Greece and then come away from Turkey with three points at the end of May, it would set up a ding-dong showdown with Slovenia at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the final game of the Nations League campaign.

Ireland are back on Leeside for the first time since last July's brilliant 3-1 defeat of France, when O'Sullivan lashed in a fine goal to send the locals wild.

"It’s going to be massive," she said.

"Last time we played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh was amazing, we got a big win there. It’s a great place to play and I love going back to Cork. My family’s there so it’s really special for me. It’s going to be a massive game and hopefully we get a really good crowd again. The atmosphere was definitely special."


Watch Republic of Ireland v Greece in the Women's Nations League on Tuesday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary on 2fm's Game On.

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