Payne says college won't affect play-off availability

Republic of Ireland striker Heather Payne insists her college commitments will not be an issue when the World Cup play-offs roll around in October.

The US-based Payne missed last year's qualifier against Georgia due to college work.

The Florida State Seminoles player is in the fourth year of a dietetics degree and is working towards becoming a sports dietician.

She helped her team to a crucial 1-0 win against Finland last Thursday with a typically hard-working performance, and afterwards confirmed that there's no danger of her missing the play-off games next month.

"Oh yeah I have that sorted," the 22-year-old said. "I will definitely be back. You can't be missing a World Cup play-off.

"Our goal was always to take it step by step. After everything we were like 'okay, lets make the play-offs'. We’ve made it now but we want to get a higher ranked spot [in the play-offs]. The World Cup is our goal."

England gave Ireland a big boost on Saturday evening as their 2-0 win in Austria ensured the Girls in Green will progress to round 2 of the play-offs if they beat Slovakia in their final qualifier match on Tuesday evening.

The three best runners-up from the nine qualifying groups get byes to round 2, with the other six teams having to contest three round 1 matches on 6 October.

That means the clash in Bratislava holds real significance for Vera Pauw's charges.

"I've been looking at it for the last few months," Payne said of the complex play-off format.

"I think I kind of have it figured out, but the Slovakia game is crucial. We need to get three points there so we can get a higher ranking and get a better play-off and be in a better position.

"It’s great that we have a play-off spot secured no matter what. We’re still going to be looking