‘She’s a tough cookie’ - No O’Sullivan fracture, Pauw hopeful for World Cup opener

Star Ireland midfielder Denise O'Sullivan was injured by a heavy tackle in Friday's behind-closed-doors friendly with Colombia

Denise O'Sullivan speaks to media after a Republic of Ireland open training session 

Ireland manager Vera Pauw is hopeful Denise O'Sullivan can play in next Thursday's World Cup opener with Australia, but admits the Ireland camp feared the Cork woman's tournament might have been over before it had begun.

O'Sullivan was injured by a heavy tackle in Friday's behind-closed-doors friendly with Colombia, causing the match to be abandoned.