Ireland have received a huge boost ahead of this month's World Cup qualifier in Georgia.
Vera Pauw’s side have jumped three places in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings to 27th - equalling their highest ever position.
It’s the first time since November 2008 - after Noel King guided Ireland to the Women's European Championship Play-Offs - that the Girls in Green have hit such heights.
Currently in a training camp in Turkey preparing for the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier away to Georgia (June 27th), Pauw hailed the achievement.
“It is fantastic to see our team's rise in the latest FIFA Women's World Rankings as that is a reflection of the hard work put in by the players and staff over the last four years,” she said.
“In 2019, we started with a new approach and plan, which we are still working on, and we have achieved some brilliant results during that period but our performances have improved each time.
“I cannot give enough credit to our players, who have bought into our plans and helped to shape our approach.
“We wanted to raise the bar in everything that we do and even though that is an ongoing process we feel that we are on the right track, with three difficult World Cup qualifiers still to come.
“Our rise in the FIFA World Rankings is down to what the players do the pitch, but also what the staff do off the pitch.
“I'm so grateful to work with such dedicated staff members, who are the very best in their respective areas and amongst the best that I have had the pleasure to work alongside.
“When you have high quality staff who are so professional, you get to create a high performance environment that ensures we all work together as one.”
Next up for Ireland is a friendly on Sunday against the Philippines at their training base in Antalya, Turkey (4pm), before they head to Georgia for the June 27 qualifier.
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