Republic of Ireland playmaker Denise O'Sullivan is ready to roll into a huge Euro 2025 play-off final against familiar foes Wales next month with the ambition crystal clear: qualify for a first ever Women's European Championships.
Ireland had a straightforward passage to the final as they overcame minnows Georgia 9-0 on aggregate.
A battle against the Welsh will be an altogether different prospect, albeit Rhian Wilkinson's team needed extra-time to edge past Slovakia in the other semi-final.
It sets up an international derby that will be ferociously close.
Wales deservedly beat the Girls in Green last February in a friendly at Tallaght Stadium; but O'Sullivan missed that game, which Eileen Gleeson used to field an experimental lineup, and there's a quiet confidence in the Ireland camp that they are in much better shape now.
"I think it was just an off night for us, absolutely," said O'Sullivan.
"The girls learned a lot from that game and we definitely improved from it so we can definitely move on from it, put that in the past, put that behind us, and just focus on this next game. They're a great team, we’ve played them many a time, we know their strengths.
"As I said, we’ll focus on us and see what we can do best."
Gleeson has managed to increase the depth of competition in the squad, with a few fringe players making good cases for themselves in the two games against Georgia.
Abbie Larkin was really bright in both legs, while Jessie Stapleton offered more evidence of her versatility and Marissa Sheva returned from a year-long exile to offer a reminder of the posiitve energy she brings to the table.
Ellen Molloy also returned following a two-year absence to further enrich a competitive panel.
"I think they've stepped up big time...
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