Kyra Carusa insists her experience in the United States women’s camp can only be of benefit to Ireland.
The American-born striker is in contention to start her first senior international in tomorrow’s friendly against Denmark at Tallaght Stadium.
Carusa’s HB Køge are the surprise leaders of the Elitedivisionen and she’s top of the scoring charts following Sunday’s winner against champions Fortuna Hjørring.
The 25-year-old had the option of staying with her homeland, who have won the last two World Cups, but chose to switch allegiance midway through the last European campaign.
Carusa made her debut off the bench in the 3-0 win over Montenegro 12 months ago but was kept on the bench while defeats to Germany and Ukraine ended their play-off hopes.
The San Diego woman said: “I was part of the USA’s Under-23 squad and lucky enough to be in the same team as some players who went on to become full internationals such Tierna Davidson, Catarina Macario (inset) and Andi Sullivan.
“The pool of players for the US squad is never ending and it was really cool to play for their Under-23s.
“Sometimes you can forget that you’re there because of bringing something special. I wouldn’t have brought in this mindset to the Ireland camp if I hadn’t been involved with the US.
“A coach of mine at Georgetown University Dave Nolan used to badger me about declaring for Ireland so I do appreciate him for pushing me in that direction.”
Jumping ship to Ireland also made Carusa’s grandparents proud.
She’s savoured enough customs to avoid being branded a blow-in.
Carusa added: “My granddad Tony Lucey was from Cork and my grandmother Beryl Lucey from Laois.
“They were only supposed to go to America for a year but it turned out to be for life.
“I travelled to Ireland when younger – getting to do simple things like kissing the Blarney Stone.
“Our relatives would always poke fun with us but to actually do it felt I’m truly Irish.
“More importantly, back in the US, the biggest Irish thing for us was the food. It doesn’t feel like it’s Christmas or Easter if you don’t have an Irish breakfast.”
Ireland follow up tomorrow’s test at Tallaght with another friendly on Sunday against Belgium in Brussels.
Pauw’s side are among the third group of seeds for the World Cup draw on April 30.
