Stephanie Roche admits she would have called time on her Ireland career but for an honest discussion with boss Vera Pauw.
Peamount striker Roche, 33, has been recalled to the international squad after three years out for Sunday's friendly against the Philippines in Turkey and the important World Cup qualifier in Georgia in 11 days time.
“In my mind, I always felt I had something to offer,” said the Dubliner.
“If I didn’t, I would have walked away. I was part of this squad for 10 years and being out of the loop was disappointing but I always felt I had a chance and the chats with the manager Vera Pauw were encouraging.
“It was just about trying to take the chance when it happened. I asked her were we wasting our time here?
“But she told me she really appreciated me as a player so that gave me a push to keep going and I have to thank her for that.
“There was a point where I thought it wasn’t coming because I was playing well for Peamount and scoring goals.
“You’re nearly fed up as a player and I wanted to know if I wasn’t being used because otherwise I would have walked away.
"Thankfully, she reassured me.”
Roche, who scored a hat-trick for the Peas against Sligo Rovers before claiming the last squad place available with Ireland, revealed how last minute her inclusion was on Tuesday as Pauw deals with a number of injury absentees in the attacking positions.
“It was all a bit manic," said the 55-times capped veteran, speaking this morning from Ireland's Antalya base. “It was all quite last-minute.
"Before the home-based training, we knew there was a place available after the match and I was just over the moon.
"You’re always bracing for bad news and this was no different so to have it flipped was amazing.
“My dad wanted to give me a lift or meet me for a coffee but I told him I had to fly out straight away the next morning.
“I was hoping not to forget anything but once I had my shinguards, everything else I can replace."
Roche added: “It’s been three years but it doesn’t seem that long because I’ve been in the home-based training sessions all the time.
"I felt like I was a 16-year-old back in the AUL waiting to hear something.
"It had been difficult for my family sharing all the disappointments so it was nice for me to ring them first.
“I just want to enjoy it now but also work hard and show I deserve to be here and want to stake a claim.”
