Diane Caldwell: I just wanted to enjoy playing again

It's five months exactly since Republic of Ireland defender Diane Caldwell lifted the lid on the true level of discontent among the squad with elements of Vera Pauw's managerial style.

The Balbriggan native offered a clinical assessment of Pauw's tenure, saying: "From my position as a pretty experienced player, I don't think it was up to the standard expected at international level. I think the results, performances that we got, were in spite of Vera being coach."

Caldwell got a token runout off the bench in stoppage time of Ireland's final World Cup group game against Nigeria. She had been on the periphery under Pauw, behind Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey and Megan Connolly in the Irish back line.

Now aged 35, she made a mockery of any talk retirement might be on the cards in the wake of the tournament Down Under by forcing her way back into the starting 11 for the UEFA Nations League campaign and excelling within Eileen Gleeson's more expansive approach.

"When you have the ball the game is easier."

Did Caldwell feel she had a point to prove after her public criticism of Pauw?

"Yeah possibly, but you know what? My thinking was, I missed out on playing at the biggest stage at the World Cup and that really, really hurt me," she said, discounting her brief appearance off the bench against the Nigerians.

"When Eileen came in and gave me the chance to start I just wanted to enjoy playing again. I just wanted to embrace having the jersey on my back again, playing in front of the Irish fans.

"A big moment for me was the Aviva game [against Northern Ireland]. I really wanted to do it for myself, to focus on things I can control, focus on playing well and enjoying being out there with the girls again because honestly I really missed that for