Jamie Finn feels Irish growing collectively stronger

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie Finn has said the international side is now clearly benefiting from having so many players plying their trade in full-time professional environments.

Finn signed for Women's Super League side Birmingham City in the summer of 2021 having impressed with Shelbourne in the Women's National League.

The 24-year-old from Swords, Co Dublin has endured a tough year in the English midlands - Birmingham suffered relegation to the Championship in May - but her improvement in a green jersey has been a real positive.

"There is a step up (in standard)," said Finn, speaking at the launch of the 'Lace Up With Pride' campaign.

"Obviously, training every day, gym sessions and video analysis. In fairness to Shels and the WNL, it's not full-time, they don't have the facilities to do that.

"It is a step up but it's one I thought I adapted quite well to. There's loads of Irish girls in Birmingham City (Emily Whelan, Harriet Scott, Marie Hourihan, Eleanor Ryan Doyle, Lucy Quinn and Louise Quinn) so that helped me, on the pitch and off.

"I lived with Emily as well. We played together at Shelbourne. It made it an easy transition for me. It is hard moving away from home but having the girls there made it easier.

"A lot of us have made the step now, whether it's in the English league or the Scottish league or in Europe. I think there's only a handful of girls left now in the Irish squad that are in Ireland.

"No disrespect to the Women's National League, I think it's a great league. But if you want to push on individually - and with the national team, become a better team collectively - I think you do have to go away and find a professional environment."

Finn was part of the Ireland team that earned a terrific World Cup