Veteran Irish WNT player Niamh Fahey is stepping back onto the pitch this week, "buzzing" to be back for the Girls in Green in time for their international friendly against Italy this Friday, 23 February 2024.
Making a comeback
The 36 years old, who boasts 111 caps for the Republic of Ireland, has been absent from the national team since the last summer's World Cup in Australia due to a calf injury.
As the defender returns to the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Italy (23 February) and Wales (27 February), Fahey sees this as a golden opportunity to prove she's rejuvenated for the season, eager to contribute to Ireland's current clean record of six out of six wins in the UEFA Nations League.
"I got the call from Eileen a couple of days ago telling me I was back in, so I was absolutely buzzing. I had a bit of a rough time with injury after the World Cup and missed all the games. So I'm delighted to be back in."
"It's a fresh start with a new group. It's so fresh and new it feels like a new start for me also."
Great to see #NiamhFahey and #AoifeMannion back in the squad! @FAIWomen pic.twitter.com/I0k8Jb1c1s
— John Mulligan (@Mulliganj) February 15, 2024
A fresh start
Fahey's optimism is fuelled by the exciting prospects unfolding within the Irish team, with the women's game gaining momentum and breaking barriers. Although she missed Ireland's historic first appearance at the Aviva Stadium against Northern Ireland, Fahey remains hopeful about future opportunities to play at Lansdowne Road.
"It was an incredible experience I’m sure and I’ve heard a return is in the pipeline so fingers crossed. Maybe England in the Aviva if we got them [in the Euro 2025 qualifiers] would be something special," Fahey said.
"It was hard to watch [the Northern Ireland game] because I wanted to be there. But obviously I am delighted for the girls and the job they’ve done because now we are in the top tier and it makes that path to qualification a lot easier than had we not done it."
Looking ahead
Acknowledging the fierce competition within the squad, especially with rising stars like Caitlin Hayes and Aoife Mannion, Fahey expressed an understanding of the importance of maintaining peak performance to secure her spot on the team: "It's a very competitive squad, one of the strongest we’ve ever had. And there’s a few out still," Fahey explained.
"We’ll see how the week goes. I have to train well and we’ll see how things go at the end of this week. There are a lot of qualities here, and especially in defence a lot of competition.
"[Cailtin] done excellently, fair play she’s come in and played well. The whole unit as well and I can only control what I can control. It’s not going to be easy and I’m not in charge of selection."
Fahey also explained how she's enjoying a good campaign on with Liverpool, who are currently fifth in the Women's Super League and through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
How good was the skipper today, Reds? 👏 pic.twitter.com/xKfaZFRIiN
— Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) February 18, 2024
Having finally gotten over her calf injury, the Red's captain is hoping for club success and plenty of international opportunities.
"I think I haven’t ever looked too far ahead. Rather, I’m focusing on my club first, seeing how that goes and if I’m doing well enough then I’ll get selected for Ireland," explained Fahey.
"It has always been that process and that’s where I’m at now. I’m not looking too far ahead, because who knows what will happen in the future?"
"But in the here and now, I’m fit and healthy and playing for my club week in, week out, and that’s where I’m at now, and I’m happy to be back in a green jersey."
