The Ireland women’s national team have successfully persuaded a former Australian Under 23 international to switch allegiance.
Deborah-Anne De La Harpe qualifies for Ireland via her Larne-born mother (Edel Wilson) and arrived in Vera Pauw’s training camp late last week.
The wing back, 22, could potentially make her international debut against China in Wednesday’s friendly in Spain, having impressed Pauw with her displays for Sydney - her hometown club - in the A League. De La Harpe previously played for Perth Glory.
She said: “Ireland has been a big part of my life. My mom and all her family were born in Ireland. I visited since I was 11, it’s very much like a second home to me.
“It has been a huge goal of mine to experience being in an international camp and find it an incredible honour just to be here. My grandad (Robert) played an important part in my football journey and doing him proud is an honour.
“It’s things you dream of doing. The 30 hour flight did not bother me. I would have flown 40 hours to have this experience with this history-making group, it’s incredible to be around and be a part of.
“The intensity is awesome. Everyone is really competitive and you really want that. It’s only a short time but I feel in every training session I’m learning so much. I’ve learned more in this short period than I have in a long time and the best bit of all is how every single player is so friendly. I feel like I’ve known them for ages.”
In many ways this camp doubles up as a trial for De La Harpe, the ultimate aim being to break into Pauw’s squad and play in this year’s World Cup, especially as Ireland’s opening game is in Sydney.
“I have no pressure or expectation on myself. I’m taking the opportunity as it is and staying present in the moment to be here amongst these girls and this team and hopefully I can gel with the team and be called back.”
READ NEXT:
- Jarlath Burns elected new President of the GAA
- Christian Atsu dies aged 31 after Turkey earthquake
- Johnny Sexton hailed as class act following Late Late Show appearance
- Tiger Woods apologises for 'crass' tampon joke
- Ireland legend Jack McGrath retires through injury
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
