Campbell still has plenty of fight after two years on the sidelines

Republic of Ireland defender Megan Campbell is in line for a return to the national team after an injury nightmare that kept her out of the international team for more than two years.

Campbell last lined out for Vera Pauw's side in Ukraine back in October 2019 but a series of ankle and knee problems left her considering whether she should walk away from soccer.

The Liverpool player went under the knife in August after an ankle ligament injury sustained in pre-season for her club but while her return to fitness has been a long time coming, she’s already making up for lost time.

Campbell was named the Liverpool player of the month for January after starring in a defence that conceded just once in five games as the Reds stretched their lead at the top of the FA Women’s Championship and she’s hoping to bring her club form into the Irish set-up.

The 27-year-old is in line to feature against Russia in the semi-final of the Pinatar Cup tournament, with Ireland manager Vera Pauw expected to make wholesale changes from the side that beat Poland 2-1 in their opening game.

"My aim is to be available for the game on Saturday," Campbell said. "I’ve been working with Vera, the squad and the staff to try and make sure I’m in the best position for that.

"It’s been a long process and it’s not easy when you go from club to international and then to do it on the back of a long-term injury, it’s even harder. I’m just trying to manage my load and fingers crossed I get some minutes on Saturday."

The two years spent in the international wilderness have given Campbell a unique perspective on the changes that have occurred in that time.

Her last game for Ireland was Pauw’s first in charge of the national squad and coming back into the fold, she sees a