Back in favour Lucy Quinn has sights set on Brazil in 2027

Last winter was a particularly difficult time for Lucy Quinn.

The Republic of Ireland international was sidelined with an injury, forced into a watching brief as the Girls in Green looked set to book their place in this summer's Euros.

The Birmingham City player concedes that surgery on her ankle wasn’t the only reason she was absent. Quinn had already slipped down the pecking order under then manager Eileen Gleeson but was unable to exert any influence on events as Ireland saw their Euro 2025 dreams wither on the vine against Wales.

Quinn, who only made her international debut four years ago at the age of 27, reflected on one of the most challenging periods of her professional career.

"It was massively disappointing," she told RTÉ Sport’s Tony O’Donoghue. "I fell out of favour before the injury, so it wasn’t just that. That’s football, you just have to do your best to bounce back.

"Managers are after different things at different times. Watching as an outsider was really difficult, but you just have to dig deep and put yourself in the best possible position.

"I wanted to be part of history. I had no doubts whatsoever (that Ireland would beat Wales and qualify for Euro 2025). Mentally I was really, really drained at one point. It wasn’t in my control, but I could only be myself."

The ankle injury that curtailed her involvement earlier this season is now behind her and after some conversations with Carla Ward in recent weeks, it was clear she would come back into the Ireland picture.

Over an hour against Turkey in a narrow victory at Tallaght last weekend surprised some, but not the player herself.

Rather than showcase her talent to the new woman in charge and the supporters, Quinn insists the desire is simply to add value to