Ellen Molloy still chasing World Cup dream with Ireland

Kilkenny’s Ellen Molloy is currently on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury that she picked up when playing with Wexford FC last September.

The Inistioge youngster was having the season of her life when scoring 16 goals for the South-East club prior to the injury and she is currently well advanced on her road to recovery.

The 18-year-old was originally ruled out of contention for this summer’s World Cup that takes place in Australia and New Zealand but Molloy is still clinging onto the possibility of making a dramatic return for the Republic of Ireland.

“I haven’t given up myself, I’m going to do everything I can,” said Molloy, speaking at the launch of the Ireland Women’s National Team 50-year celebrations last week.

“But every girl in the country is going to do everything they can, so we’ll just wait and see. I don’t want to rush it, I don’t want to go through this again. When I’m back, hopefully I’m back for good.

“Definitely the second half of the season (return). I don’t want to put a definite date on it and don’t want to get my hopes up.

I’m hoping maybe June or July.”

The talented footballer made her senior Irish debut at the age of 16 and has since made six caps and while a summer return does seem unlikely, Molloy hasn’t given up hope of a late inclusion as she remains in regular contact with Ireland manager Vera Pauw.

“It’s almost like a loss of identity. It kind of put things into perspective as well; you are not going to play soccer forever, so what are you going to do afterwards?

“Vera Pauw is in touch every now and again to keep up with my progress.

“She is just asking me how I’m getting on, and I say I’m doing good.

“That’s all I can say, I’m not going to force myself into the team.

“I’m just going to stay quietly doing what I can. If I’m ready and if she sees that, we’ll just wait and see what happens.”