One last goal on wish list for 100-cap keeper Byrne

Not even a serious bicycle accident was going to stop Ireland goalkeeper Emma Byrne from joining the illustrious club of international centurions this week.

The Arsenal goalkeeper will captain her country against Croatia in today’s 2015 Women’s World Cup qualifier in Sinj (2.30pm Irish time), an incredible 18 years after she first assumed the mantle of Ireland’s No 1.

Three weeks ago, as she lay sprawled on a north London road, it seemed the 34-year-old would be made wait for her 100th cap.

However, a combination of medical attention and mental strength chimed to have her back, almost fully fit, for Sunday’s 2015 2-0 qualifier win over Slovakia in Ireland’s campaign opener.

“That was my first game in three weeks,” explained Byrne.

“I got hit by a car. The driver stopped — she had to because I dented her car, but she just didn’t see me. My niece and nephews bought me a helmet for Christmas, so my head was fully protected.

“It’s a good thing for the kids as it shows them how important a helmet can be. Still, I was determined to get back and reach the 100 cap mark. I took plenty of painkillers to get me through Sunday and I’m looking forward to this occasion.”

Byrne shares the honour with Arsenal clubmate and fellow centurion Ciara Grant for being Ireland’s most decorated female footballer.

The list of trophies accumulated by the pair leave their male counterparts in the shade.

Eleven successive league titles, eight FA Cups and, the pièce de résistance — a Champions League medal in 2007 — have been racked up during their 13-year spell with the Gunners.

One mission not yet accomplished by the duo though, is featuring at a major tournament for Ireland.

With Grant having retired from international football at the end of the last campaign, it now falls for Byrne to continue thatcrusade.

As European champions, Germany are certain to top Ireland’s group, the stopper knows a play-off route into the 2015 World Cup finals remains her last chance to figure at the showpiece.

“We came close in 2009 under Noel King when Iceland beat us in a play-off,” she said. “The heartbreak from that is still there because we were made to play the second leg on a pitch covered by ice.

“We want to get back into that stage, so we should be beating teams like Croatia today very easily.

“Back at Arsenal, I’m sick of hearing from my team-mates about England and Scotland progressing on the international stage.

“Wales and Scotland beat us in the last campaign, so it’s a sore subject for us Irish at the club.”

Byrne admits her long association with the Gunners may soon be coming to an end.

Heavy investment by other clubs like Liverpool has resulted in herall-conquering side being knocked off off their perch and a change may be imminent.

“I’ve had a few offers from other clubs but I want to stay in England,” she said.

“I’m at an age now that I’ll probably finish up in the next year. So I’d like to finish on a high — wherever that is.”

Meanwhile, Ireland’s U19 Women face Denmark in today’s concluding European Championship first phase qualifier at Tolka Park (5pm)having already progressed to the elite phase.