Roma McLaughlin notices the shift in mentality more than most.
Her college career in the USA has limited her contact with the senior international team to the extent that last Sunday’s appearance against the Philippines was just her eighth cap in six years.
So as a relative newcomer into Vera Pauw’s camp, and having played under previous regimes, she senses the change more acutely than many of her teammates.
There is a confidence there now that didn’t exist in the past; a sense that this Ireland side belongs in the World Cup shake-up.
Three points on Monday in Georgia will see the Girls in Green leapfrog Finland into second place, with just two games remaining, including a home tie against the Finns.
Asked if there was a belief that Ireland could make next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, McLaughlin replied: “There definitely is.
“Obviously we're focused on the Georgia game. And hopefully, if we do win that one, then we'll shift their focus to the next.
“But there is a strong belief that we can get there.”
The Donegal native could even feel it in April, when she watched on from afar as Pauw’s side came within just 11 minutes of beating Sweden in their own backyard.
Holding on for a point in the wake of Kosovare Asllani’s 79th minute equaliser gave McLaughlin more reason to believe the Irish were finally ready to break into the bigtime.
“The last game against Sweden, I missed out on the camp but I was in America watching the game,” said the Connecticut-based midfielder.
“Before the game, there's just this belief that we can get something out of it and obviously we showed that by getting a draw - and we maybe could have even won the game.
“That's different to other years where you're playing against the number two nation in the world and you really strongly believe that you can get something out of the game.”
Next Monday’s qualifier away to Georgia poses a different challenge in that nothing less than a comprehensive win is expected.
Especially as Ireland - in McLaughlin’s seventh cap - put 11 past their upcoming opponents in last November’s Tallaght Stadium clash.
There are plenty of reasons why Georgia won’t be such a pushover this time around.
Firstly, Covid robbed them of some regular starters in Tallaght.
And secondly, that one was played on a cold November night; conditions that were far better suited to Ireland’s energetic style of play than the high temperatures and humidity expected next week.
“Obviously we played Georgia before but I think it's going to be a whole different ball game,” conceded McLaughlin.
“I know they might have been missing a lot of players from Covid back when we beat them 11-0.
“We kind of just have to expect the unexpected really, we have to go out and play our own game.
“It's a difficult one, but I think that we prepare for each game as best as we can, no matter who the opponents are.
“Coming up to the Georgia game we'll prepare as professionally as we did coming up to the Sweden game.
“I think that's almost as important as anything - international football can bring anything, so you have to be prepared for everything you get.”
In terms of the heat, the Irish squad has spent the past week training in Antalya, southern Turkey, and will continue to do so until they jet into Tbilisi on Saturday evening.
“Fortunately for me, I played a few preseason games over in America in this type of heat, before coming here,” said McLaughlin.
“So I was maybe a bit better prepared than the other girls, or I knew what was coming.”
She is currently with Connecticut Fusion, who play in a summer league, ahead of a decision on whether to return to college at Central Connecticut State University and study for her Masters.
The alternative is to look for a club closer to home, in the hope that it can boost her prospects of a regular spot in Pauw’s squad.
“I completed my four years and graduated from college but I’ve got an opportunity to start my Masters and potentially play another season with the Blue Devils,” she said.
“So if I were to do that, the pre-season would start in August.
“But at the minute, just to keep my fitness levels up, to make sure I’m getting my training and game time, I’m playing on the summer team [Fusion].
“If I go back to America, I’ll be playing with the Blue Devils for another season.
“I’m open to doing anything once I finish my studies. I’m open to going anywhere if I’m honest.”
Asked if being in the US college system had restricted her international chances, she replied: “I do think so.
“I think it was two, three years where I wasn't called in, and in the back of your mind you're questioning whether you will be called them or if your chance will come again.
“Fortunately enough, I proved myself to get back into the squad. For that, I'm very happy.”
She added: “While I was in America, I got a call-up and I’ve been in here for a year now so I hope Vera knows what I can do and what I am capable of.
“But yeah, I think making a move closer to home might benefit me more in the long run.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
