Donegal’s Tyler Toland fought her way back from the football wilderness today to reclaim her place on the Republic of Ireland side.
The St Johnston woman was not only chosen by new manager Eileen Gleeson to start against Northern Ireland, but she even put in a Player of the Match performance.
The Republic won 3-0 and Taylor was in super form after being previously left off the panel by former manager Vera Puax.
Speaking after the game, the Blackburn star said she was delighted to be back in the green of Ireland and at the Aviva Stadium.
“All I can say is that I’m absolutely delighted to be back,” Toland beamed. “Nothing makes me more proud than to play for my country.
“We’re going to look forward. We have a few big games coming up. We’re going to keep pushing on, creating history and driving on the legacy.”
A crowd of more than 35,000 packed into the stadium including hundreds of fans from Killybegs, Bonagee, Milford, Drumkeen, Donegal Town and across Donegal.
She said: “We picked up the three points and we had a great team performance. That’s a performance to build on for Hungary.
“We have a lot of talent here in Ireland. My job is just to help the team and that’s what I did to the best of my ability. We move forward now and hopefully we can keep pushing forward as a team.”
Toland, 22, added: “I kept my head down and kept working. I was absolutely buzzing when I got the call from Eileen.
“It was incredible to get the call. There is nothing that makes me prouder than putting on the green jersey. To get the opportunity is something that I’m so thankful for.
“Coming into camp, you always have an opportunity to start. It’s always a possibility. When I came in on Monday, I just said I’d keep my head down and work hard.
“I’m nervous for every game and for every training session, but you always have to be ready as a footballer.”
