'Have no fear and go for it' - Niamh Fahey ready to roll

Niamh Fahey's most vivid World Cup memories are from 2002: Roy Keane, Saipan, Steve Finnan Panini stickers... it only takes a slight prompt for it all to come flooding back.

Now the Liverpool and Republic of Ireland centre-half is aiming to write her own chapter in Irish football history ahead of Tuesday's crunch play-off against Scotland.

Fahey missed last month's qualifier wins over Finland and Slovakia due to a groin problem. Her return is a very welcome boost for Vera Pauw, whose preparations have been hindered by a slew of other injuries.

The 34-year-old started Ireland's Euros play-off against Iceland back in 2008 and knows just how rare and precious this opportunity is. The wider impact of an Ireland women's team making it to a World Cup is not lost on anybody involved with the squad.

"These opportunities don't come around often," she said.

"The last time I had it was at the start of my career against Iceland at the Euro play-off. That was at the start and now you could say I’m at the end. I know how big of an opportunity it is.

"It’s important to have no fear, go for it and put in the best performance we can. Hopefully the result can go our way.

"For myself, it's just great to be fit and healthy back in. It was gutting personally to miss those two games but that's what the team and the squad is there for, to get us through and now, luckily for me, I'm fit and ready to be part of the squad and when I'm called upon and needed."

This Ireland team have gone through a major evolution and Fahey has been there throughout. She is highly aware of the impact qualification would have - on and off the pitch, this Ireland team has the potential to spark huge change.

Asked where she thought the women's game will be in 20 years' time