Ireland No 2 Tom Elmes talks up wing-back evolution

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Tom Elmes is hoping a wing-back evolution can help the Girls in Green shock Australia in Thursday's World Cup opener in Sydney.

Elmes has been Vera Pauw's No 2 since November 2021 when he replaced Eileen Gleeson, who left to take the reins at Glasgow City.

He's part of a trusted technical team that includes goalkeeper coach Jan Willem van Ede and analyst Andy Holt, the trio in constant consultation with Pauw.

Back in April, against the USA in Austin, Ireland used Heather Payne and Katie McCabe in the full-back positions as the introduction of Sinead Farrelly in the middle of the park had a positive chain reaction.

The Americans won the game 2-0, but the experiment was considered a success; indeed Ireland will line up in a very similar fashion against the fancied Matildas in a few days' time.

"I think the US was a real growth for us," said Birmingham-born Elmes.

"The addition of Marissa Sheva and Sinead has probably allowed us to play more aggressive wing-backs whereas we might have been a little more reserved in the past. I think with that system with more reserved wing-backs it's very difficult to gain momentum, so having a little bit more going forward in the wider areas, it’s definitely allowing us to get the ball down and play.

"That’s what we’ve asked of the players, and you can see the response against the USA was positive. So yeah, we’re hoping to build upon that."

Having qualified for a first ever World Cup, it's tricky to evolve without abandoning the principles that have taken you so far.

Elmes concedes as much while also stressing the need to keep progressing.

"With international football, there is no forgiveness," he added. "It’s not a league campaign when you might drop a few