Planets align as Heather Payne returns to Ireland duties for German test

"We get tested three times per week in America so it’s all safe and the protocols are all there. I can go back to play my season and be back for the Ukraine game”

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There are all too many ways for a footballer to come a cropper. Loss of form or injury can intrude at any point. A manager may take a dislike to the person or the player, or just go with a formation or tactic that doesn't suit. A new arrival can pitch up and lay claim to the jersey.

Heather Payne's list of known unknowns stretches further.