Oct 22,2024
Julie-Ann Russell says the formation of a Republic of Ireland Under-23s would benefit the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division and the national senior team as a crucial bridge between both levels of football.
There's been much talk of the pathways between the two after Athlone Town boss Ciaran Kildfuff - who left his post on Sunday night - criticised the Ireland management for failing to give players from the league enough opportunities to impress.
Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson strongly rejected that suggestion, saying last Thursday: "Statements that we don't watch players are completely inaccurate".
Galway United star Russell had an incredible impact when given her chance with the Girls in Green last July, scoring against England and France in two swashbuckling performances.
However she is an outlier. With no bridge between the Under-19s and the seniors - and home-based training sessions for LOI players discontinued by the FAI - it's generally very difficult for domestic talent to really stake a claim.
An Under-23s squad would aid that transition, with Russell revealing it could be on the way.
"I believe it's imminent," she said ahead of Friday's Euro 2025 play-off semi-final first leg against Georgia.
"I think that it’s just down to budget and stuff like that. I think, once it does come into place, it will be brilliant.
"Obviously, there’s some players that are able to step up straight away and there’s some that aren’t. If there is the 23s in place, it’s something for them to strive for and something you can keep developing.
"I think it will benefit the seniors then because they’ll be ready to just slot in, you don’t have to take a year or so to gradually build up (a player). If that’s in place it will be really beneficial for the girls and the national team as a whole."
Russell, now 33, is perhaps the exception that proves the rule when it comes to LOI players being able to make the leap to the international stage.
"I kind of treat myself like I'm a professional athlete."
Crowned the FAI's Women's International Player of the Year back in 2014, she's had spells in America (Los Angeles Strikers), England (Doncaster Rovers Belles) and Australia (Western Sydney Warriors), returning to Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She had baby Rosie, now the most famous mascot in Irish football, and signed for Galway United in 2023.
Russell also had 60 caps to her name before coming back into the Ireland fold after a four-year absence, but she admits she has to graft hard to maintain the incredible fitness levels that have allowed her to make such a big impact.
"I kind of treat myself like I'm a professional athlete," said Russell. "I’m training twice a day, I’m looking after myself in terms of nutrition and sleep and whatnot, so I think to be able to play against world-class players, that’s what you need to do.
"Obviously in the League of Ireland we’re not at that professional status across all the teams yet, so I do have to do that extra bit to be able to complete and perform against these teams.
"I do CrossFit (intense strength and conditioning gym classes) in Moycullen, where I’m from. That has definitely served me well physically and being strong and having that extra edge.
"Obviously I’m training with Galway United, and then doing my extra pieces, extra running, so it’s all about the extras to be honest because we don’t have that professional environment yet."
When asked if the biggest challenge when making the jump from the League of Ireland to the international stage is mainly down to fitness levels or a general spike in standards, Russell replied: "I think it’s a bit of both. You can be the fittest and strongest person but if you’re not technically good and talented and on the ball... like you need both.
"But I think a lot of it is to do with fitness as well. In previous years Ireland teams have competed maybe till 45 minutes and then we’ve dropped and conceded goals. That was probably because we weren’t there from a fitness level, but I think it’s all about contact time on the ball as well.
"You just need to be an all-rounder."
Daughter Rosie has proven to be an immensely popular figure around the camp, even inspiring her mam's 'bye-bye' goal celebration that the whole team indulged in when Russell scored against the French at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
She won't travel to Tbilisi this week as the Girls in Green aim to take another step towards Euros qualification against opposition ranked 118th in the world, but she will be getting a call-up once they return for the second leg at Tallaght Stadium.
"She's excited to come back in and be back with all her aunties again," smiled Russell.
"I’m leaving her at home for the Georgia trip. I think it’s a bit too much on her little body, so she’ll meet us on Saturday back in Dublin. Herself and my husband Kieran will come up and she’ll be in camp for the couple of days before the home game.
"It’s lovely, she’s walking now and flying with the football which is hilarious to see. It’ll be great for her to be around all the girls again and have those role models in her life."
