Erin McLaughlin in the frame to start against Albania

READY: Erin McLaughlin in Shkoder during some down time.

This Nations League campaign is transpiring to be ideal for players with the profile of Erin McLaughlin.

Someone who marginally missed the cut on Ireland’s World Cup squad, the 20-year-old attacker has blossomed in Peamount United’s surprise domestic title success.

The sole home-based player fully intends joining her 25 international teammates in testing herself abroad but there’s a degree in school-teaching to complete at Maynooth University before confronting that ambition.

McLaughlin won her second senior cap off the bench in Friday’s 5-1 hammering of Albania, presenting latitude for caretaker boss Eileen Gleeson to reshuffle for today’s rematch.

Yesterday’s early morning Call to Prayer from the local mosque in Shkodër, an hour north of Tirana, awoke the travelling party earlier than expected and another fast start is anticipated when they meet the lowest seeds in League B of the competition UEFA use to frame next year’s Euro 2025 qualifiers.

A fourth straight victory today, coupled with a draw between Northern Ireland and Hungary, will guarantee Ireland top spot in the group.

That, in turn, ensures promotion to next year’s League A and another four-team group, from which the top two qualify directly for the Switzerland showpiece. They’ll be also guaranteed the fallback of a playoff route to the finals.

Everybody realises the importance of hat-trick hero from Friday, Katie McCabe, to the cause.

Others such as Denise O’Sullivan and Louise Quinn are nailed-on to start next year’s serious business but whoever takes the job on a permanent basis, and Gleeson’s name remains prominent, will require depth to meet the tougher challenges.

Having won a recall for this window and featured on Friday, McLaughlin is in the frame to start against the team ranked 72 in the world, a chunky 46 places behind Ireland.

“Everything has kind of fallen into place for me this year,” said the Donegal native.

“Not going to the World Cup was disappointing but I feel like this is my second chance to come and redeem myself – to show what I can do.

“We had a break during the World Cup and I went home to Donegal to have a rest. I returned with full focus on being better and just giving it my all really.” Her Peamount side, like double-holders Shelbourne, had been raided by newcomers Shamrock Rovers in pre-season but McLaughlin resisted offers and stayed put. She’s been vindicated by the trophies and international revival.

“Nobody expected much from Peamount this season but being underdogs suited us down to the ground,“ she noted her first medal since joining from Northern side Sion Swifts at the start of last season.

“We’ve got Champions League football to look forward to next year too.” A few extra caps would be a welcome way to spring into 2024. Completing the campaign with the maximum 18 points is the target, one that can be achieved while experimenting to an extent, “We have room for flexibility and different choices and what we’ll choose is the best for the game,” admitted Gleeson.

“We’re playing maybe a little bit higher up the pitch as these games allow us to do that.

“We’re using players in different positions, working on different areas that allows them to have a little bit of freedom in their play and their decision-making. We want them to use the creativity that they always thought that they have.

“This campaign is really useful in getting young players in to gain experience before the next stage of the qualifiers.

“I’d be aware of all the young players coming through, have a good knowledge of the landscape and can transition them through.” IRELAND (probable): (3-4-2-1): Courtney Brosnan; Caitlin Hayes, Louise Quinn, Chloe Mustaki; Heather Payne, Megan Connolly, Tyler Toland, Katie McCabe; Denise O’Sullivan, Erin McLaughlin; Saoirse Noonan.