Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Head Coach Carla Ward has welcomed the return of Denise O'Sullivan ahead of Ireland’s crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Poland.

O’Sullivan, who will claim her 130th cap if she features, returns to full fitness after missing the recent defeat to the Netherlands in Utrecht through injury. The midfielder travelled with the squad to support her teammates and is now back in contention to start in Gdańsk.

Ward emphasised the importance of O’Sullivan to the team and the lift her return provides.

“You know, I often say it — I always knew she was good — but working with her, you realise just how good she is and the quality she brings,” Ward said. “So naturally, she’s a huge loss to any team. But the players that stepped in were outstanding against the Netherlands and deserve an awful lot of credit.”

Ireland have faced a demanding run of fixtures against top-tier opposition, including games against France and the Netherlands narrowly missing out on points despite strong performances.

“It’s tough, isn’t it? Because to go and compete the way we did — across four games against top, top nations — we’re starting to show that we can compete,” Ward added. “It was a tough one to take and it hurt not to come away with points, but we have to use that now. We have to use it as fuel and channel that energy into the next two games.”

Ward also highlighted the contribution of emerging players within the squad, including Aoibheann Clancy, who has impressed in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division with Shelbourne, with the Ireland boss backing her to make an impact at international level.

“We were just talking about Aoibheann actually — she’s been really impressive,” Ward noted. “She’s developing all the time. She’s a young player who is exciting and someone with a massive amount of potential.”

The Ireland boss also praised the wider squad depth, pointing to strong performances from those stepping in during O’Sullivan’s absence.

“Both have done really well, first and foremost,” she added. 

“Maria stepped into it and didn’t look out of place whatsoever, so they’re both in contention, as everyone is.”

With O’Sullivan back available and competition for places increasing, Ireland will look to turn encouraging performances into points when they face Poland.