Denise O'Sullivan on track to start against Australia

Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O'Sullivan is on track to start against Australia in Thursday's World Cup group opener in Sydney.

O'Sullivan sustained a shin injury during last Friday's behind-closed-doors game against Colombia.

A scan showed she suffered soft tissue damage, with the Cork woman wearing a protective boot for two days.

However her recovery is going as well as the Ireland camp had hoped for.

She took part in some light training in Brisbane on Monday and was again present in today's session, taking part in some ball work for the first time since the Colombia game.

Vera Pauw expects her to take a full part in training on Wednesday when Ireland land in Sydney ahead of the much-anticipated showdown.

The manager previously indicated that there was optimism she'd make it, saying: "It is going according to what we hoped would happen.

"Denise is fit, she is extremely fit, that helps. From there, we see what step is next and what step is next, but it is about, can she handle it? Then we build up to the match."