O’Sullivan: League stars making mark

Republic of Ireland’s Denise O’Sullivan believes the rapid evolution of the Bus Éireann FAI Women’s National League is illustrated by the presence of seven players in Sue Ronan’s squad for their Uefa Women’s Euro 2013 Group 4 Qualifiers away to France and Israel.

The senior squad play France, group winners-elect, in their penultimate match in Roudourou Stadium, Guingamp tonight (7.50pm Irish time).

Peamount United’s Louise Quinn, Julie-Ann Russell, Stephanie Roche and Sara Lawlor as well as Megan Campbell and Rebecca Creagh, both of Raheny United, were also selected and Cork Women’s FC striker O’Sullivan believes the level of WNL representation is hugely positive.

She said: “The quality of the WNL is extremely high and playing in it definitely improves players’ games. Being in Sue’s squad gets those involved in the WNL another opportunity to show our worth to the set-up.

“The WNL is progressing quickly and having seven domestic league players in this squad is a good indicator of how important it is to the development of women’s soccer in Ireland.”

However, O’Sullivan admitted the squad were frustrated with their displays against Wales and Scotland — both 1-0 home defeats.

“They were massively important and to get nothing from either leaves us with no chance of qualification, which was very frustrating. We had a chance to cement second spot but didn’t take it so that was a big opportunity let slip, especially when we should’ve beaten Wales.”

O’Sullivan has insisted the squad are nevertheless determined to end the campaign on a positive note.

“Everybody is really motivated to win but realistically it is going to be difficult against France. At Turner’s Cross we had to defend for most of the match against them and they need to win to guarantee top spot which makes things harder for us. But we are all prepared to give 100% and we would be confident of beating Israel too on Wednesday.”