'Delighted to be back' - Tyler Toland revels in Republic of Ireland return after long absence

Tyler Toland expressed delight at her long-awaited return to the Republic of Ireland fold after putting in a Player of the Match display in the 3-0 win over Northern Ireland on a historic day at the Aviva Stadium.

The Girls in Green got their UEFA Women's Nations League campaign off to the perfect start, watched on by more than 35,000 spectators, as the senior women's side played at the Lansdowne Road venue for the very first time.

It was also the first game since the parting of ways with Vera Pauw. Toland, who had not been selected by the now former Ireland manager since November 2019 after a falling out when she was an unused substitute for a game against Greece, started and provided a platform in central midfield.

"I'm delighted to be back," the 22-year-old told RTÉ Sport at full-time after receiving her award.

"Obviously, we picked up the three points today. We had a great team performance and that's a performance to build off on Tuesday against Hungary.

"I'm delighted to be back and nothing makes be prouder than playing for my country."

Player of the match Tyler Toland speaks to Tony O'Donoghue after Ireland's 3-0 win over Northern Ireland in their UEFA Women's Nations League opener.#IRLWNT #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/a3NYv2yMM6

"We've a lot of talent here in Ireland. My job is just to help the team and that's what I did today. At the end of the day we came out with the victory, three points and we move forward."

Having missed Ireland's maiden World Cup appearance during the summer and almost four years before that, the Donegal native spoke of her pride at wearing the green jersey again.

"All I can say is I'm absolutely delighted to be back and nothing makes me more proud to play for my country."

Of the opportunity to play at