Pauw sends 'full respect and love' to retiring Shine

Vera Pauw has sent her "full respect and love" to Clare Shine after the Republic of Ireland international stepped away from the game last week, aged 27.

Glasgow City striker Shine, who has been open about her mental health struggles in recent years and has seven senior caps, said in a statement: "My happiness and well-being needs to come first and I'm excited to begin the next chapter of my life."

On Friday Pauw offered her unbridled support to the Corkwoman, revealing they'd had an honest conversation around the player's decision.

"All respect for her," Pauw said. "I've had a very long and good talk with her, she told me in person.

"The thing is she really feels this is the best decision for her. It’s a shame for football, but at this moment football is not important.

"For us, for me, the only thing is her health, her wellbeing and that she’s happy. She has chosen this direction so full respect and love."

Pauw was speaking at the announcement of her squad for the World Cup play-off against Scotland or Austria on 11 October.

Ireland will convene at Abbotstown on Tuesday and sit down together Thursday evening to watch the Scots' first-round play-off collision with Austria. Ireland will have a three-scout team at Hampden Park to help them prep for every eventuality.

"It's a bit odd. Never seen that before," Pauw remarked when asked about how tricky it is to finetune the side given Ireland won't know who they'll be playing until a few days before the game.

"The opponent can fully concentrate on us already. But we have organised that. There's three people going to the Scotland-Austria game.

"One scout for Austria, one scout for Scotland and [assistant coach] Tom Elmes will go because he's delivering the presentations to the team, he's