Grant set for 100th cap in crunch clash with Scots
Updated: Thursday, 05 Apr 2012 12:20
Republic Ireland womens team manager Sue Ronan has a fully fit squad for tonights crunch Euro 2013 Group 4 qualifier against Scotland - a match in which captain Ciara Grant is set to reach a major milestone.
The match will see Ireland, second in the group behind France, take on current third-placed team Scotland in what is likely to be a pivotal match in deciding which team goes forward to a play-off for a spot in the championships, which are set to take place in Sweden.
It kicks off at 7pm in Tynecastle.
Ronan said: We hold a slight advantage in the hunt for second place and Scotland, no doubt, will look to win this one. I was at their game in France on Saturday and they should have been ahead before conceding two second half goals in a 2-0 defeat.
Ireland had their training disrupted by snow in Scotland this week, but trained yesterday at the match stadium in Tynecastle.
The mood in the camp is good with the new Bus ireann Womens National League thriving and positive results for Arsenal, who supply four players, helping to keep things positive.
Ronan added: Our players have looked very sharp in training this week and there's a determination within the group to get a result and maintain the good start they've made to the qualifying campaign.
"Our home-based players have benefited from the improved standards of the Bus ireann Women's National League, while our four Arsenal ! players have been involved in their progress to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League."
One of the Arsenal quartet is Grant, who is set to reach a major milestone by becoming the first Ireland womens international to reach 100 caps.
The outcome of the game is her priority.
"I've loved every minute of my international career since making my debut in 1995 against the Faroe Islands and to become the first player to reach 100 caps makes me very proud," said the Waterford native.
"All I've focused on recently is the upcoming game itself against Scotland, so I'll probably be able to enjoy it more when we're at home next, which is in June against Wales."
Ronan paid tribute to Grant's continued contribution to the Republic of Ireland squad.
"Ciara has been a great servant over her 17 years in the team and is someone who is a real role model for other players," she said.
"This game will be a historic occasion and we're all very proud of her achievement."