'Honoured & privileged' - Caitlin Hayes loving life in green

Caitlin Hayes had a birthday to remember last Friday.

On the same day she turned 28, Hayes received her international clearance to represent the Republic of Ireland, with interim boss Eileen Gleeson informing the centre-half she'd be going straight into the starting lineup against Northern Ireland.

The Celtic defender has been one of the standout players in Scotland for the last couple of years, winning the PFA Women's Player of the Year award last season after helping the Hoops to a league title.

She qualifies to play for Ireland through her Offaly-born grandfather James, and though Hayes has had to wait a long time to pull on the green shirt, she looked right at home in an assured debut at the Aviva Stadium.

Hayes will likely get the nod again on Tuesday evening for the Girls in Green's second UEFA Nations League group game against Hungary in Budapest.

It's been a whirlwind week, and she's savouring every minute.

"I’ve had the honour of playing at Celtic Park and playing here is just as good," she said of her appearance at Lansdowne Road.

"You can’t get two better stadiums, in my opinion, so I’m just thankful.

"I've been trying [to gain Irish eligibility] for a while. But I’m a firm believer in what’s for you won’t pass you. So I’ve been sitting, working with my club, Celtic, and I’ve been patiently waiting for an opportunity like [Saturday]. I’m just honoured and privileged to be able to take it."

"My family were in the stands and my dad may have shed a tear for the first time in his life."

Hayes' grandfather has passed away but her family were at the Aviva, proudly decked out in Celtic tops. It was a special day, its emotional significance almost overwhelming.

"I know he'll be proud," Hayes said of her grandad. "Just having