Vera Pauw Admits Concerns Over Injuries Ahead Of Canadian Clash

Ireland manager Vera Pauw is sweating on the fitness of defender Louise Quinn ahead of their second FIFA Women's World Cup group game against Canada.

The Birmingham City defender who impressed in the Girls in Green's opening group game defeat against Australia, wore a protective boot over the weekend, after sustaining an injury in that game.

It has been reported that Quinn did take full part in training yesterday, however Pauw has revealed that she will need to come through the final training session unscathed, to prove that she is fit enough to start the match against Canada.

"We are also a bit concerned," Pauw admitted. "We think that she can play but we are always honest. She is going to train [today], and see how far she gets. It's a foot injury". 

"It's an injury that is not very straightforward. It's just really relying on how she reacts on the next training session. I'm not hiding anything, I'm always open". 

Pauw is also sweating on the fitness on wing back Heather Payne, who sat out the team's small sided games in the training sessions leading up to this match, as she battles a hamstring injury.

"exceptional team"

Ahead of the contest, Vera Pauw called Canada an "exceptional team". 

"Canada is a very, very experienced team and they know how to have patience in getting their results," Pauw stated. "And they often get the results in the later stages. That shows that they have to trust to keep on going with a game plan". 

"They have a few exceptional players. [Jessie] Fleming will play tomorrow. [Christine] Sinclair, of course, is a huge threat. And in their teamwork, they're very experienced. So we are fully aware of this. We hope that we can put something against it". 

Looking ahead to the encounter, Canada's manager Bev Priestman expects Ireland to be a "horrible" team to play against. 

"I think from my perspective we have to match [their physicality] and hope that our quality shines through", Priestman said in the build up. "First and foremost [we have to] match that passion and hard work. [Ireland are a] horrible team to play against and that's what we pride ourselves on, so we one million per cent have to match that first". 

"And they know that about Canada too. It's probably a two-way street. Ultimately we have to stay with the process and what we think it will take to beat this Irish team. And stay clear-headed because there are parts of the Irish team where if you're not careful you can be drawn into that and it can take you down a route that can take you off task". 

Ireland versus Canada kicks off at 1pm local time today.