Kenneally and Foreman hoping to be anonymous at Women's World Cup

Siobhan Forman (physio) and Angela Kenneally (doctor) are all too aware of the fact that the less seen of them as the Republic of Ireland take on Australia, Canada and Nigeria in Group B then the better it will be for the team’s chances.

MANAGING PLAYERS HEALTH: Republic of Ireland's Sinead Farrelly leaves the field alongside Republic of Ireland physiotherapist Angela Kenneally and team doctor Siobhan Forman during the women's international friendly match against France. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

A backroom team is exactly that. These are not people whose job it is to shine on stage. Not for them the chorus of cheers, or the catcalls. These are the facilitators, the army of helpers beavering away behind the scenes, the polishers of knobs and rollers of carpets who exist seen but unseen in the World Cup’s big house.

Vera Pauw’s regular platoon of lieutenants stretches to 16 men and women. It’s a unit that includes coaches, analysts, a doctor, physios and a masseuse, equipment personnel and media support and it will be supplemented in Australia by a handful of others drafted in for the duration of the World Cup.