Kyra Carusa heads for winter rest buoyed by burst of goals

Kyra Carusa enjoyed a new lease of life during the Republic of Ireland's stylish march to UEFA Nations League promotion.

Having grafted admirably at the summer's World Cup - though failing to score - Carusa has made hay in the autumn and winter. Leading the line in Vera Pauw's rigid, defensive structure was a tough gig. The Dutchwoman was committed to a highly disciplined approach that made her side hard to break down, but creatively they were one-dimensional.

Pitted against more modest opponents in the Nations League, interim boss Eileen Gleeson took the shackles off, and Carusa found her shooting boots. She scored twice in her first 15 internationals; after glancing home the third goal in Ireland's 6-1 hammering of the North on Tuesday, she now has five in her last six.

"It has been a year, guys. Wow. 2023! It's been exciting," reflected the 28-year-old Californian with an eternally sunny disposition.

"It's such a fantastic way to end the year and I feel like, as a player, it just builds and builds.

"I'm very proud to know that this team rallies behind us, as well as I rally behind them. You kind of just need everyone to have that little piece of their game, that ability to lead in their own little ways. And I think that myself and everyone else has really added that to this campaign, so I'm glad to see it in myself and everyone else."

Carusa - now plying her trade with the San Diego Waves - has some down time with the NWSL in its off-season. It's a perfect chance to recharge the batteries before getting back into camp for a massively important spring, when the Euro 2025 qualifiers begin.

"It’s funny because going to San Diego, my home, is like a holiday," she added.

"I’ve been on a plane so much, so it’s really nice to take