Pauw enlists periodisation expert Verheijen to ease fears on player burnout

Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw, right, former Republic of Ireland international Olivia O'Toole and Republic of Ireland international Abbie Larkin with participants and the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy during a grassroots girls schools blitz, part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour in Dublin, at Irishtown Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Vera Pauw has enlisted the services of her controversial Dutch compatriot Raymond Verheijen for Ireland’s Women’s World Cup campaign as she eases fears of player burnout.

Club versus country rows are brewing after the European Club Association recommended invoking the Fifa calendar criteria and not releasing players until July 10 - just 10 days before the tournament starts in Australia and New Zealand.