Aine O’Gorman believes a semi-professional Women’s National League is just around the corner - and that World Cup qualification can accelerate its arrival.
The Peamount United ace has swapped club for country this week as Ireland prepare for their play-off against the winners of tonight’s clash between Scotland and Austria.
But as one of just four home-based players in the squad, her thoughts turned to the long-term effects of success on the international stage.
“I think obviously we should be piggybacking on the success of the women's national team,” she said.
“I think clubs going semi-professional is just around the corner, to be honest. I think we will see that happen.
“It should be inevitable and it's something I'm very passionate about, that coming into play and things being done properly and proper set-ups at clubs.
“And then eventually, maybe one day we can have a professional league.”
As for the value of World Cup qualification, she said: “Well, it should drive it on.
“I think we should be piggybacking on the success of the Irish women's team, that there should be semi professional clubs in this country.
“Obviously at the moment we're losing players to the WSL. You can't begrudge any player for that, they're going to play in a better opportunity, they're gonna get full-time football.
“Until them structures are put in place, we're not going to be able to stop players going abroad.”
Many of her teammates in camp have made the move from the WNL to the UK or further afield, with Bundesliga and Serie A among the other leagues represented within the Irish squad.
But few are as experienced as the veteran Peamount ace - a survivor of Ireland’s last and only other play-off encounter.
She was in the side that lost to Iceland in controversial - and dangerous - circumstances in the Euro 2009 campaign.
“I was there, yes, on the ice,” she said. “If that game was to go ahead today it wouldn’t happen.
“They were banging a shovel in the middle of the pitch and the ice wasn’t cracking. I think they (Iceland) had ice skates on and we didn’t.”
She added: “I don’t think you appreciate the moment when you’re there like you would now, that you’re on the cusp of maybe qualifying for the World Cup.
“Back then you’re just in the game, in the moment.
“Obviously we are in a great position now and looking forward to the game.”
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