Pauw admits concern over Louise Quinn ankle injury

Louise Quinn is a doubt for the Republic of Ireland's massive World Cup clash with Canada on Wednesday as she battles to overcome an ankle injury.

Quinn wore a protective boot over the weekend after picking up the knock during last Thursday's 1-0 defeat to Australia.

Ireland were initially confident the centre-half would be okay. Quinn had a recovery session in the pool on Sunday and took some part in training the following evening.

However on Tuesday Pauw confirmed that the defender is not 100% certain to start at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.

"We are also a bit concerned," said the manager. "We think that she can play but we are always honest. She is going to train [today], and see how far she gets. It's a foot injury.

"It's an injury that is not very straightforward. It's just really relying on how she reacts on the next training session. I'm not hiding anything, I'm always open."

Quinn would be an enormous loss for Ireland. She held the back line together superbly against the Aussies and her aerial and organisational abilities make her a crucial presence.

Pauw will desperately hope she makes it as the Girls in Green gear up for a crunch clash with the reigning Olympic champions.

"Canada is a very, very experienced team and they know how to have patience in getting their results," she added.

"And they often get the results in the later stages. That shows that they have to trust to keep on going with a game plan.

"They have a few exceptional players. [Jessie] Fleming will play tomorrow. [Christine] Sinclair, of course, is a huge threat. And in their teamwork, they're very experienced. So we are fully aware of this. We hope that we can put something against it."