Still Ireland's No1 fan after heartbreak of missing out

I realised quickly that my injury would make it touch and go to make the World Cup squad. I missed the backend of the season with Liverpool and while my knee was resolved, it was whether I could get match fit in time.

There was constant contact with manager Vera Pauw over the last few months and while we agreed we would do everything in our power, it came down to one simple question; would I be fully fit for the opening game against Australia on 20 July?

It was a daily mental battle during rehab wondering how events would pan out. Obviously it was always lurking at the back of my mind that the cards might not fall my way, yet the final call was still a devastating blow.

Even a fortnight later, I'm still struggling to process it all. It was always a dream of mine to represent my country at the World Cup, the biggest stage of all.

The lead-up to the squad announcement was an anxious time. As I was doing my own strength work with the physio, I was travelling up and down from Drogheda every day to the team base.

Two days before Vera made the official announcement, my fate was sealed. My last session didn’t go well – I couldn’t run pain free – and I knew then the game was over. I wasn’t going to be 100% to face Australia.

I met Vera and the coaching team that evening and she said that both parties had not been found wanting. Without putting my body at risk, there was no more I could do. The timeline was simply too short.

All going well, I’d be available for the end of the group stage, but the deal was the be ready from the off. I respect Vera for her decision and I’ll never blame her for me not being selected. It’s professional sport, you go through highs and lows, and this is certainly my low.

Ultimately, I would never want to take