Marissa Sheva sprints into contention among Vera Pauw's starters

The American didn’t know what sport she would pursue, never mind which country she’d represent, until recent years.

SPRINTING INTO CONTENTION: Marissa Sheva during a Republic of Ireland women training session at UCD Bowl in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

As an accomplished athlete in her day, Marissa Sheva can understand why she’s deemed the bolter who has leapt highest into Ireland’s World Cup plans.

Fans can expect the speedster to start against co-hosts Australia on July 20, a seismic elevation for a player only enlisted with the FAI since February.