Leanne Kiernan's World Cup hopes fading as Liverpool manager confirms injury setbacks

The Irish attacker's return is 'at the earliest, 10 weeks away' her club boss has admitted.

INJURY SETBACK: Leanne Kiernan of Republic of Ireland and Kristína Košíková of Slovakia during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifier match between Slovakia and Republic of Ireland at National Training Centre in Senec, Slovakia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Leanne Kiernan's hopes of claiming a place in the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup has suffered a huge blow as Liverpool manager Matt Beard confirms she will be out for at least another 10 weeks.

The talented attacker played a huge role in the Reds' Championship title win last season - she was their top goal-scorer - which helped them secure promotion back to the Women's Super League.