Denise O’Sullivan has said that travelling to Ireland camp has ‘no effect’ on her after moving to New York and signing with Gotham FC.

O’Sullivan was speaking ahead of the visit of Kazakhstan to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday night with Ireland carrying an eight goal advantage from the first leg in Astana. The Halfway Line was present to hear from O’Sullivan on Monday afternoon.

The goal is ‘to get to Brazil’ says Denise O’Sullivan

Just three matches now stand between Ireland and a second FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. If, as is now very likely, Ireland can get past Kazakhstan they will face either Poland or Belgium with The Red Flames holding a 1-0 first leg lead heading into their second leg in Gdańsk.

O’Sullivan was asked how special it would be to make another World Cup,

“That’s the goal for all of us is to get to Brazil” O’Sullivan stated. “To get to one World Cup is very, very special, to play for your country. But to get to this one is even more special.

“We’re as close as ever, this team. We all care for each other, we want each other to do the best. So for me to get to Brazil would be amazing and that’s our goal.”

O’Sullivan doesn’t agree with RTÉ pundits play offs take

It was put to O’Sullivan that the RTÉ pundits, Marie Crowe, Louise Quinn and Niamh Fahey on Friday said that the 9-0 aggregate victory over Georgia two years ago in the play offs for EURO 2025 was bad preparation to play Wales, who would defeat Ireland in the play off final. The dynamic midfielder was asked if she agreed with that assessment,

“I don’t really agree with that” asserted O’Sullivan. “You have to face the teams that are in front of you, that’s all we can do as a team. I think it discredits the team to say that because I thought they were excellent the other night.

“I agree with Carla, it’s tough to play those teams that sit in a low block and I think many years ago we struggled with that as well. I think we’ve got to play with what’s in front of us and the girls were excellent, to score eight goals is amazing and we’ll be looking to even better than that tomorrow night.”

Travel from New York to Ireland camp ‘absolutely not’ a problem says O’Sullivan

When Denise O’Sullivan moved to Liverpool many Irish fans were relieved, having feared the midfielder might become more prone to injury the older she got with frequent travel from the United States. That same fear has returned following her move to Gotham, O’Sullivan was asked if it was an issue,

“None, absolutely not” O’Sullivan asserted. “New York is fantastic because it’s only a five and a half hour flight so it’s got no effect on me at all.

“I know how to take care of my body at this stage, I know the protocols to be ready for gameday and I think that’s the most important thing, once I’m ready on game day, it’s fine. I have no worries or issues with that.”

O’Sullivan secured a move to Gotham FC following six months at Liverpool. Reigning NWSL champions Gotham were the first to secure their spot in the post season play offs. The Cork native explained how she is enjoying life in New York,

“Great, really loving it” She said. “I’ve been back about three months now, so I’m starting to settle in. The last few games, I’ve started to see myself play 90 minutes. Getting used to the team, getting used to the players around me, the club’s fantastic, very professional.

“The calibre of players on the team is world class. It’s a challenge, I can’t get complacent there, the spots are up for grabs. It’s really good, it’s a really good environment to be part of and, of course, living by New York as well is a big bonus.”

Ireland face Kazakhstan tonight with kick off at 19:30, the match will be live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.