Saoirse Noonan discusses her Ireland role, Celtic form, and the importance of upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Poland.
The Celtic striker arrives into the Ireland camp in strong goalscoring form, but with a clear understanding of her role within the squad as preparations ramp up for a crucial World Cup qualifying double header against Poland. While minutes were limited in the previous camp, Noonan insists her mindset remains unchanged.
“You’re still part of the group. You still need to be ready because things can change,” she said. “Of course I want to get in and make an impact — that’s what I’m here to do.”
Celtic Form
Saoirse Noonan comes into Tuesday night’s fixture in fine scoring form finding the net 15 times and 5 assists in SWPL1 this season, Something Noonan believes is important to be in a good run of form coming into international camps.
“It’s really important,” she said. “We’re playing against top teams now, so you need to be scoring in those games as well. I’ve been doing that, so hopefully I can bring that form in here.”
Her output in Scotland has already reached a significant milestone, breaking the 50-goal mark in a relatively short spell at the club — an achievement she admits is worth recognising.
“It’s something I dreamed of as a kid,” she said. “When you’re playing for a club like Celtic and scoring 50 goals in such a short time, it’s something I should take a step back and be proud of.But it just makes you want more.”
Focus firmly on Poland
Despite talk of playoff scenarios and group ambitions, Noonan is keeping things simple heading into the two games against Poland, first away in Gdańsk, before a return fixture on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.
“The focus is just on Tuesday night,” she explained. “It’s the same opponent in both games, so that helps. Once that game is done, then it’s onto Saturday.”
Ireland are guaranteed a play-off place regardless of these qualifiers, thanks to them beating Belgium over two legs in last October’s Nations League promotion/relegation showdown, but Saoirse Noonan is clear that performances that they are putting in must now translate into results.
Ireland squad training ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier v Poland
League Of Ireland Pathway Is Working
Noonan’s rise has been shaped by her development within the League of Ireland, progressing from Cork City to Shelbourne before making the move abroad.
“That pathway has been brilliant,” she said. “Going to Shels was a step up — more professional — and you could see players going overseas from there. It put me on the right track.
Now competing at a higher level, she recognises the gap Ireland are trying to close against Europe’s elite, but believes the foundations are there.
“You look at teams like France and the Netherlands — their players are at huge clubs, world-class teams,” she said. “We have some world-class players, maybe not as many yet.
“But we know what we have in this team and what it means to play for Ireland. No one can take that away from us.”
Coaching Licence
Saoirse Noonan has also begun working towards her UEFA B coaching licence, gaining experience off the pitch , something she believes is already influencing her game.
“It gives you a different view,” she said. “As a player you’re consumed in the moment, but when you’re coaching you see so much more. It definitely helps your game
Despite her scoring record, Noonan is quick to emphasise that goals alone are not enough, particularly at club level, where Celtic remain in a tightly contested title race.
“You always think about the next game,” she said. “Scoring is part of the job, but it’s about winning games and winning trophies. That’s what I’m there for.”