Irish skipper Emma Byrne handed manager Sue Ronan a massive boost after the team’s 2-0 win against Slovenia at Tallaght Stadium last night. The goalkeeping centurion told 98FM Sport she has no intention of retiring from international football ahead of the Euro 2017 qualifiers.
Byrne, who turned 35 in June, signed a new contract extension with Arsenal last December. The Leixlip native also became just the second woman to win a hundred Irish caps last September against Croatia and intends to win several more.
“If you go by my age, I should be thinking about giving it up but I’ve always said I’ll go by how I’m feeling and my injuries. I’ve been injured the last 4 or 5 years, knee problems but at the minute I’m feeling really good.”
Byrne doesn't see any reason why she can't keep minding the nets for both club and country.
“I’ve got another season with Arsenal, so another 2 seasons (altogether). I still want to play for Ireland as long as I’m playing for Arsenal and I don’t know why I’d give up international (football) when I’m still playing club because I think I can do both."
