Jessie Stapleton more than happy to be Ireland's Swiss Army knife

Jessie Stapleton has earned a reputation for being a high-quality Swiss Army knife.

Defence, midfield, attack: the 19-year-old has operated in every compartment of the pitch in a career that's been on a steady rise since her days playing for Cherry Orchard boys' team in the DDSL.

Stapleton enjoyed a breakthrough February with the Republic of Ireland when she started in the middle of the park against Italy (a scoreless draw) and Wales (a 2-0 defeat).

She's in Eileen Gleeson's squad for this week's huge Euro 2025 qualifier double-header against France and England, desperate for another opportunity to show she can shine wherever her services are required.

"I just play where I’m told," laughed the Dubliner, up on media duties at the team's Castleknock Hotel base on Monday.

"I don’t really know what my best position is... I’ll play in goal if I have to.

"When I played with the boys I played centre-back, centre-mid. When I first started out I was a winger but we won't go back to there! Even in the underage League of Ireland I played up top, when I was with Shels I was centre-mid, centre-back, striker. I’ve played in a lot of positions but it's great experience. If it’s needed I’ll play anywhere."

The Girls in Green are facing into an incredibly difficult qualification campaign after being pitted the French, England and Sweden - all ranked inside the world's top five.

The messaging from inside the camp has been clear and consistent: this is exactly the sort of challenge they've been working towards.

Having gained promotion to League A of the Nations League before Christmas, Ireland have the safety net of a guaranteed place in the play-offs for the Euros, even if they finish bottom of their four-team group, but they are loathe to think