Pauw to keep O'Sullivan in squad regardless of availability for Matildas clash

VITAL COG: Manager Vera Pauw and Denise O'Sullivan. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Vera Pauw has indicated she will keep Denise O’Sullivan in her Ireland squad even if Thursday’s blockbuster World Cup opener comes too soon for her injury to heal.

Ireland’s midfield maestro is wearing a protective boot and using a crutch to aid her walking following a nasty challenge that prompted the abandonment of Friday’s training match against Colombia at Meakin Park on the outskirts of Brisbane.