Amanda Budden experienced up close the step up in standard when it comes to elite Champions League football last week.
The goalkeeper made a string of outstanding saves as Shelbourne upset hosts ZFK Pomurje to progress from their opening tie with a 1-0 victory.
It was the game three days later, against Valur of Iceland, that left the biggest impression - literally - on the Corkwoman.
“They were huge. Their keeper was genuinely the biggest female I’ve ever seen in my life,” the former Cork City and Galway stopper said.
“I was standing next to her before we were walking out, and we were all just like, ‘Jesus…’ She was huge. The defenders even looked small next to her and they were easily six foot as well.
“They were a physical side. They were shredded. They are obviously in camp every day in the gym, probably double sessions, nutritionists in, and all that adds up.
“We all work and then go training, and a lot of us have physical jobs, so that can also have an impact.””
Shels won out in that first game with Pomurje despite Noelle Murray’s early penalty miss as new signing Heather O’Reilly nodded home a spectacular goal from the next set-play.
American O’Reilly, a triple Olympic champion and World Cup winner, came out of retirement earlier this month to realise her Champions League dream.
Budden adds: “It was a great feeling to win over there. Heather has been a great asset to the team since coming in.
“I think her experience really shines through when we’re down or if times are getting tough on the pitch, she can really pull us together.
“She has so much experience with the US team, Arsenal and the Courage, and her goal was unreal.
“I barely remember the game. It was honestly just like another game. Everyone was just focused on the game.
“At one stage Jessie Stapleton came up and said, ‘I love you, keep doing what you’re doing, you’re having the game of your life.’
“And I was like, ‘What are you even on about?’ I didn’t take any notice, it was just trying to keep everyone focused. It was a good game.”
Despite losing the play-off game 3-0 to Valur, Shels more than acquitted themselves and fell victim to some baffling refereeing decisions, including in the lead-up to the opening goal.
Budden says: “Not to make excuses but there were a few dodgy decisions and it made a few of us hold back, especially when there were early cards, like Rachel Graham got a card, and she’s one of our defensive midfielders putting in tackles.
“She was very standoffish after the card, and then Pearl Slattery got a card. It changes the whole game because it’s obviously in the back of your head that you don’t want to be sent off.
“They’re a full-time squad and they had a lot more in the tank toward the end of the game and we ran out of steam.”
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