Irish star Rianna Jarrett’s failure to mention Vera Pauw raises eyebrows
Rianna Jarrett was surprised when Irish manager Vera Pauw named a 25-player team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Georgia.
The Wexford native, who has been in decent condition at the London City Lionesses Championship and scored in their recent 2-0 win over Sunderland, has been placed on the standby list.
However, as Jarrett came as a substitute during last month’s 2-1 win in Helsinki ahead of Amber Barrett and Leanne Kiernan, his absence from the main team raised eyebrows.
– It is a top sport, and other players are better than him at the moment. So simple, “Pauw explained his trademark with his straightforwardness, adding that he has spoken to the 27-year-old assailant.
– Of course he’s disappointed. But he understands and sees what other players are doing. He struggles to get back to his old level, but we won’t forget him. Currently, other players are operating at a higher level. It’s the result of top sports.
Aston Villa’s Ruesha Littlejohn and HB Kogen striker Kyra Carusa are was returned to the group after recent injuries while the FAI waited yesterday for international permission to add a third goalkeeper who had played a minor in another country.
Pauw believes this week will be more difficult than the recent duel between Sweden and Finland.
“This is probably a harder week than the previous one, even though the opponents ranked much higher,” the Dutchman suggested. “This is a crucial week because if we get a good result in both games, we’re on our way to qualifying.
– But we have to get on the ground the intensity we did against Sweden and Finland. If we don’t manage to get the intensity that’s so emotionally hard to get to that point, we won’t get points.
Ireland’s great second place win from Finland means that the team is now surrounded by greater anticipation, but Pauw wants to try to put out those flames by saying that Slovakia is better than their fourth place suggests and difficult to break.
‘I want to lower my expectations. Not that I don’t want to be favorites, but when I’m a realist, it’s hard to break their defense.
“We have to play with the same intensity as against Finland so that we have a chance to get those points, just because we have to play the game and they can stay down.”
– Slovakia is a very good team. Their rankings do not reflect their place. It’s not long since they all became full-time, so they’re still in a poor position. But they are a very solid team with a good organization and individuals who can change the game and determine its outcome. They are defensive and very dangerous in a counterattack. ‘
Ticket sales for the double draw are brisk, with the FAI expecting a record crowd in Thursday’s match against Slovakia, who are on Team 25’s Tallaght.
As the team’s profile and popularity grows, the transfer of Irish games from Tallaght to Aviva will come repeatedly, even though Pauw was lukewarm on the idea on Friday.
“It’s a question I’m asked a lot,” he said with a smile. “Aviva would be great if we could fill it. It would be amazing and it will be, but playing in an empty stadium won’t help us.
“Tallaght is our home, there is our heart and the heart of the audience. As long as the capacity of that stadium is enough, we will stay there. As soon as Tallaght Stadium is too small, we think bigger. So far, 6 or 7000 and little girls to get in touch with the players, which is so important at this point.
“Of course, Aviva Stadium is a dream and it will come true one day, but right now Tallaght Stadium is big enough.”
While top stars like Denise O’Sullivan and Katie McCabe have been instrumental in the team’s progress in recent months, Savannah McCarthy’s appearance as part of three central defense players has been very pleasant.
The Galway star was selected as the WNL season player this week, and Pauw sees no reason why a Listowel native couldn’t go very far in the professional games if he continues to improve.
– He is now 24 years old, so he is getting to the top of his game. I think he can go really far. He has it all. He is a top defender.
– He’s at the top right now. If he stays fit and not injured, I don’t think there are limits to him.
– His defense is top notch. He’s not the fastest, but he’s very good at reading the game to make up for it. There are a few areas where he can still grow, and we need to discuss that, but it’s the same with everyone.
Pauw’s belief in McCarthy has led him to develop into an international defender alongside Niamh Fahey and Louise Quinn. Another reason to believe that a Dutch woman’s plan for Irish football is coming together.