Africa, USA & Dun Laoghaire - Sophie Whitehouse's Irish journey

Sophie Whitehouse spent her childhood in England, Tanzania, Kenya and the USA - but it's a link to Dun Laoghaire that's given her a shot at a World Cup dream.

The experienced goalkeeper recieved a first international call-up last week for the two friendlies against America on Saturday and Tuesday (both live on RTÉ2).

Whitehouse's mother Caroline Sergeant spent the first few years of her life in the Dublin coastal town. And although the family had a somewhat nomadic existence, the connection to the Emerald Isle was always strong.

"Her job made us move," says Sophie, currently playing at English Championship side Lewes FC.

"She worked in development in public health. Then, in the US, she worked with World Bank development fund. I'd one sister, a year and a bit older than me.

"It definitely shaped me, made me who I am. Growing up in East Africa is a little different from a more developed upbringing. I’d seen a lot of the world before I was even old enough to know what the world was.

"So I have an understanding of what different cultures are. Moving to the US was a complete culture shock, then you move to England. So you get a broader world view."

"The fabric of the club drives everything that they do."

Whitehouse is one of four keepers named for the trip to the States - Courtney Brosnan, Grace Moloney, and Megan Walsh are the others.

Her chances of making it on the plane for the World Cup and Australia this summer are, realistically, pretty remote at this point but she's desperate to make the most of any opportunity.

"My mom’s Irish and I feel like I was always looking forward to a moment like this," she said.

"I had been speaking to my coach when I was at Bristol and he was then trying to get on to Vera about [her eligibility].

"It's