Republic of Ireland fell to a disappointing defeat in Dublin on Tuesday evening, as the Girls in Green succumbed to a 2-0 loss at the hands of an energetic Welsh outfit.

Ireland midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn spoke to the media following the defeat, digesting what was a disappointing evening in Tallaght. Though despite the loss, Littlejohn was well assured in her belief that the loss will serve as an imperative learning experience going forward for the side.

“International football is a lot more physical, a lot more aggressive, and we have to be switched on.” Littlejohn continued, “It’s not all plain sailing, but we go again. Denise [O’Sullivan] was missing, Niamh Fahey is out, but at the same time you get young players getting chances in these games. The only way they’re going to get better is by playing in these games, going for it, and developing.

Italy was a good test, and I think we had good moments too. At the same time we are trying to play a new formation, so it’s going to take time. There’s not a lot of time together when you come in to camp, obviously you’d like more time on the pitch together to get better, but you don’t have that luxury in international football. We’re all just trying to learn and get on the same page.”

The aforementioned absences proved pivotal on the occasion, as the Girls in Green faced significant injury woes in their respective preparations for the clash with Cymru. Despite the loss of an experienced outfit, Eileen Gleeson’s side welcomed in the inclusion of some firing youth talent. Jess Ziu made her first return to 90 minutes in over 16 months, earning herself the Player of the Match flower for her stand out performance against Wales. Littlejohn reflected on the difficulties surrounding the developmental process, whilst remaining sure on her belief that the rewards are soon to be reaped.

“This is football. We want to get better and it’s not going to be an overnight success. We’ve got a lot of young players coming too, it’s exciting. They’re all away and they are working hard overseas, and if we want to get better then that’s what it takes. It’s going to take a bit of time, and just because it didn’t go well tonight it doesn’t mean we just pack it in and quit- we keep working.”

Following a spell in the interim position, Eileen Gleeson has since been appointed the permanent role as head coach of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team. After what was a 2023 campaign of ebbs and flows for the Girls and Green, Littlejohn reflected enthusiastically on her experience under Gleeson thus far, stating “[I’ve] really enjoyed it. Eileen [Gleeson] has got a really good group of staff around her with a lot of experience. It’s probably something that we have been crying out for, so I’ve enjoyed it.”

Littlejohn continued, “She’s really good at delegating, she’s great at letting people do their job. We’ve got access to more, it’s actually a high performance environment. That’s the way it should be- it’s international football and I think we’ve been crying out for it for a long time. As players we need to get better, and keep working.”

Littlejohn additionally spoke on her recent mounting leadership responsibility, as the midfielder now becomes one of the most established players inside of Gleeson’s growing outfit. She acknowledged the challenges that arise with experience, whilst digesting the important responsibility she carries inside of the squad.

“There’s a lot of young faces. I am a senior player and I’ve got to get better at communicating in the moment. Knowing how to pass on information and problem solving, I think that’s something a few of us have all got to get better at. I think we’re relishing in that challenge.”

The Republic of Ireland now await their draw for April’s EURO qualifying fixtures, as each nation’s name enters the hat to be pulled on March 5th. Littlejohn spoke in regards to the draw, expressing the fact that no opposition will be an easy feat for the Girls in Green. Having faced league promotion, Ireland now prepare to face off against some of Europe’s strongest outfits, but they will not be backing down from any challenge that may face them.

“We were talking about the pots earlier today, and every pot is so difficult. All of the teams in Europe are top quality, every pot is hard. But look, if we want to get to EURO we are going to need to play whoever we get, and try to get some results out of it.”