Roche faces race against time

Stephanie Roche’s plans to embark on a fresh club challenge face a race against time.

The Ireland winger – who finished second in the Puskás Goal of the Year award on Monday night – has failed to settle in France, where she’s played for newly-promoted ASPTT Albi since July.

Difficulties with the language and adapting to cultural differences prompted the 25-year-old to seek an exit from her contact midway through a 12-month deal.

While Roche’s enhanced profile amid her incredible journey to Zurich on Monday has attracted clubs in England and Germany, she has just over a fortnight to resolve her future.

Comments last week attributed to her coach David Welferinger, at Albi, appeared sympathetic to the Irish player’s plight. However, it’s understood a series of outstanding financial issues have yet to be addressed.

This has the potential to jeopardise Roche’s immediate future, as she can only join a new club before the transfer window closes on January 31 if Albi consent to releasing her.

Roche spoke after Monday’s Ballon d’Or awards of her desire to play at “the highest level”. She has no intention of returning to Albi. It’s believed options in the United States may also be in the offing for Roche.

Her profile has snowballed during the clamour for her goal to win the Puskás Goal of the Year gong.

Despite attracting 1.1 million votes in the public poll, sweeping past Robin van Persie in the process, Roche’s goal was edged out for first prize by the volley from Colombia’s James Rodríguez against Uruguay in last summer’s World Cup.

Last night, Roche arrived in La Manga from Zurich to link up with the Ireland squad ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Norway.