Julie-Ann Russell, the renowned striker for Galway United, reveals her strategy to keep her skills honed for Ireland’s upcoming first leg of the European Championships playoff against Wales in Cardiff on November 29th. Russell intends to train alongside the Salthill Devon boys team at her local club to ensure she remains in top form over the following weeks. This strategy was unveiled following her performance during the 3-0 victory over Georgia at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday.
Having scored in the match, Russell stated how crucial it is to work alongside fitter, faster and stronger boys in training. She also revealed she is eagerly anticipating the following game and plans to include CrossFit exercises in Moycullen to her routine, along with regular runs.
Russell and Athlone Town goalie, Katie Keane, were the singular pair from the League of Ireland selected for Eileen Gleeson’s squad, who achieved a crushing 9-0 aggregate victory over Georgia, leading up to the final qualifier opposite Wales.
The squad has plans to substitute FAI’s abandoned Abbotstown training sessions for home-grown players with under-23 training camps, as a part of Marc Canham’s player pathway strategy. While a precise schedule to revitalise the connection between semi-pro club player and the fully pro international squad is not yet in place, Russell is optimistic about the proposed under-23 squad. She believes it’s not far off and that it will importantly bridge the gap between teenage players and senior members, offering younger girls the opportunity to aim for a place in the senior team.
In the past, ex-Ireland managers Colin Bell and Vera Pauw habitually used the regular meetings at FAI HQ to monitor local players. However, Gleeson has recently declared these gatherings are no longer suitable.
Gleeson stated recently that while the in-home training sessions initially played a significant role, they began to falter in achieving their primary goal of developing and engaging potentially elite players. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism, asserting that there is room for improvement when it comes to managing talent, especially among high-potential athletes.
Russell, under the watchful eyes of FAI performance coach Ivi Casagrande, will undergo CrossFit and men’s training, in addition to her usual regime. Casagrande is responsible for monitoring all members of the extended squad outside international match periods. Russell, having returned to football post-birth of her child Rosie in 2023, displayed outstanding left wing back performances against Georgia, allowing team captain Katie McCabe to take on central attacking positions.
Recalling her experience of watching the initial World Cup 2023 match with her newborn, Russell confessed that she felt an intense surge of pride and joy for her friends playing on the field. She opened up about her dream of competing in the Euros, remarking that she never anticipated returning and playing professionally after childbirth.
At the Cardiff City Stadium, seats behind the goal stand cost £8 (€9.60), while a ticket for the main stand is priced at £10 (€12), and children enter for a sum of £3 (€4.60). The second leg at the Aviva Stadium, which will be held on December 3rd, has prices beginning at €10 for children, €25 for adults and €50 for a family package of two adults and two under 16s. Tickets for Aviva go on presale on Thursday morning at 10am, with a general sale scheduled for Friday morning.
In comparison with Wales, Gleeson noted the striking similarities, mentioning the equally passionate culture and commendable players like Jess Fishlock and Ceri Holland. He expressed that ensuring the fitness and availability of the squads will be crucial for the impending face-off.