Shine lifts Irish spirits after winning fitness race

Clare Shine has been tipped for football greatness since Noel King included her in his World Cup squad at just 15, but the Cork native was close to missing tonight’s U19 Uefa finals opener against Spain in Oslo (6pm Irish time).

When the 19-year-old suffered a broken leg while playing for Raheny United just 10 weeks ago, not even the most optimistic of medics offered her hope of a return for the eight-nation showpiece.

Devastation sunk in for Shine and Ireland manager Dave Connell, fearful the absence of his key player would diminish their prospects of emerging from the more difficult of the two groups that also includes England and Sweden.