Clare Shine primed to sparkle on debut

After a couple of injury-enforced absences hampered her progress, Cork girl Clare Shine is eager to end 2015 by earning her competitive debut against Spain in tomorrow’s European Championship qualifier.

The 20-year-old striker had long been tipped for stardom from her early teens, only for two leg breaks within 18 months to interfere with a career many believe will culminate with her becoming Ireland’s main striker for many years to come.

This season has seen the Douglas native overcome a second fracture to seal a move to Glasgow City and crown her debut season by bagging all three goals of their 3-0 Scottish Cup final triumph over Hibernian.