In-form Leanne Kiernan hoping for Republic of Ireland starting return

All Leanne Kiernan can do is wait and see if she'll make her Republic of Ireland return.

The Liverpool striker is banging in the goals in the Championship at the moment, but it's proving difficult to break into an in-form Ireland team.

The 22-year-old scored a hat-trick for the Reds in their 6-0 victory over Blackburn at the start of the year, while she also bagged a brace against Coventry earlier this month.

With the Girls in Green in Pinatar Cup semi-final action against Russia tomorrow, Kiernan is hopeful of a look in.

"I'm just going to keep my head down, work hard, and wait for my opportunity," says the Cavan native.

"I've a few goals this season that I want to reach. They're down on a piece of paper at home. So when the season is over hopefully I'll have ticked all of those boxes.

"Getting back into the national team is a big one for me. I'm a very proud Irishwoman and it's a massive achievement to play for your country.

"So I'd hope that will come in time."

Kiernan's excellent club form, which currently has her top of the scoring charts in the second tier, comes off the back of a return to proper fitness for the first time in a year.

Last season she had persistent issues with shin splints which kept her in pain during training at her then club West Ham.

But a move to Merseyside, after being signed by her former manager in east London Matt Beard, has seen her regain some confidence. Alongside with fellow Irish internationals Megan Campbell and Niamh Fahey, who won her 100th cap in Wednesday's victory over Poland, Kiernan is learning to love the game again.

"I've been really enjoying my football lately, it's been quite nice. There's a good few Irish around now [so] Liverpool feels like my home across the water.

"Niamh is one of