Ruesha Littlejohn claims Ireland ‘felt like failures’ after blowing the European Championships.
And that's all the motivation the Girls in Green need as they step up preparations for the World Cup.
The opening qualifier in Georgia was postponed because of Covid travel reasons but Vera Pauw’s side have a friendly on Tuesday against formidable Australia.
And that Tallaght Stadium clash serves as a warm-up for next month’s first group game at home to favourites Sweden.
Aston Villa ace Littlejohn said: “Look, the last campaign was disappointing. We probably looked like failures, we felt like failures.
“We were in such a good position (for the playoffs) and we blew it but you’ve got to take the hits and knocks and bounce back again.
“We’ve a tough group but if you’re going to get to a major tournament you’ve got to compete against the best teams.”
Ireland have lost seven games on the spin but Pauw purposely picked friendlies against high-ranking sides in the hope of raising levels.
But after securing pay parity with the men’s senior team as well as a new four-year sponsor in SKY, Littlejohn knows that results matter.
She said: “Trying to get the wins on the board, that’s hanging over our heads but hopefully we can do the business soon.”
Littlejohn joined Villa in the close season after leaving rivals Birmingham City where the Blues squad complained in April about poor working conditions.
"There were a few things that happened,” she said of last season. “Fighting for pitches, being kicked off pitches when you’ve only trained for 30 minutes.
“It shouldn’t happen at a women's professional team. Some of it came down to Covid but some clubs back their women's team more than others.
"If you’re going to have a female team playing in the top flight then you must look after them.
“You have to give access to gyms, to train, to have pitches, to keep them right and somewhere to sit in between the pitch and gym.
"Those should be the basics. I don't think it's hard to give someone a changing room to go and sit down.”
Littlejohn added: "The set up at Villa is top class, the pitches are incredible. You get your breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner. They really look after you.
"But speaking to some girls who have signed for Birmingham, the club is back on track and things are going in the right direction.”
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