Abbie Larkin admits it’s tough not to let the mind drift to this summer’s World Cup in Australia.
But she knows there is plenty of ground to cover between now and Ireland’s first ever participation in the finals, including two games against the USA next month.
Larkin will feature tonight for Shamrock Rovers against Wexford Youths in the Women’s Premier Division, hoping to impress Vera Pauw ahead of Friday’s squad selection for the trip to Texas and St Louis.
As for the World Cup, Larkin said: “I’ve a few thoughts now and again ,obviously.
“Someone would bring it up now and again and it would be, ‘Oh that’s amazing, imagine.’
“But I’m kind of trying to focus on now, the camps that are happening, like the USA, trying to get myself in there just to prove myself, I’m trying to focus on now.
“There are thoughts of Australia. How could there not be? It’s a World Cup! So yeah, I’m kind of focusing on now for the moment.”
Larkin was speaking at the announcement of the FAI’s partnership with Circle K.
She added: “It’s going to be amazing, the World Cup, I think.
“For the girls, if it’s their last World Cup, they’re going to have a blast at it, everyone is going to work hard.
“Obviously the new girls that come in, the experience they’ll have, for example if I get picked, the experience I could have could help my career a lot.”
First and foremost, however, is Rovers’ bid to continue their unbeaten start to their first season back in the senior game.
After two wins, they were held to a draw by double winners Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
Larkin believes there is a great mix of players at the Hoops, with high-profile signings such as herself blending in with Rovers’ underage talent.
One player from the club’s youth system who has stood out so far this term is Jamie Thompson.
A hat-trick against Treaty followed by an assist for Aine O’Gorman’s goal against Shels has alerted people to her potential.
“When I was younger, when I was playing for Cambridge, I was actually playing against Jamie. She used to play for Clonee,” said Larkin.
“We are in the same course as well, so we train nearly every day together.
“She is so good. She is a lovely person as well. She is determined and the drive she has is unbelievable. Especially coming from underage to seniors, she is flying.”
