'I absolutely love playing here': Denise O'Sullivan relishing return to Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Denise O’Sullivan admits she’s relishing getting back out onto the Páirc Uí Chaoimh turf on Tuesday night after being rested, against her wishes, by Carla Ward.

Ireland trounced Kazakhstan 8-0 in Friday’s first leg of the World Cup playoff semi-final in Astana, without both O’Sullivan and the suspended Katie McCabe.

Ward confirmed that both of her star turns will be restored to the line-up as the Girls in Green look to put on a show ahead of the much sterner final against either Belgium or Poland.

At stake in that decider, likely to be contested on December 1 and 5, is a place at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

O’Sullivan, born and raised in nearby Knocknaheeny, missed the last visit to the home of Cork GAA when she was suspended for the June win over Netherlands but will win her 133rd cap – one away from Emma Byrne’s record.

"I can't really describe it; I absolutely love playing here,” said the player who cut short her stay at Liverpool to move back to the US, joining New York outfit Gotham.

“It's really, really special having all my family here.

“There’s a lot of people that I've grown up with and who have supported me. In fact, the whole of Cork has supported me throughout my career.

"In particular, people from Knocknaheeny who always come down and watch the game.

“It's great to be back here and the team. There's a really good atmosphere; everyone comes out and doesn't stop from minute one to 90.

"It's really special, I'm looking forward to it."

Ward spared her midfield dynamo the long haul to Kazakhstan.

“That was my decision which Denise wasn't happy about,” revealed Ward.

“She wants to play for her country, but we have to look after her as well because Denise would play every minute of every game and train every minute and more.

“Yet sometimes she just needs protecting."

O’Sullivan added: " I want to put the Ireland jersey on every opportunity I can but also appreciate Carla and the staff for putting their foot down and not allowing me to do it because I have been, you know, over the past year having some issues with injuries with my knees.

“I appreciate them stepping in and saying, 'Look, it's not good for you to do that.'

“So, I had to take it in the end, and look, we have a really fantastic team who went out there and put on a very special performance.

“They got the job done. So, at the end of the day, when the team wins and puts in a good performance, I'm happy."

With the outcome sealed, this second of four steps towards South America affords scope to experiment.

“Denise and Katie start and why wouldn't they start?,” asserted Ward.

“They're two of Ireland's greatest ever players and could go into any team in the world.

“So, if they're fit and available, they play.”