Despite hardly featuring in the WSL for Manchester United, Wales star Hayley Ladd is in the best place possible ahead of the playoff final against Ireland.
Ladd has only played five minutes in England’s topflight but has played over 80 minutes in United’s two League Cup games.
However, every player wants to be playing as much as they can, especially in the runup to two important games like these, but Ladd says she’s fit and raring to go.
“Every player wants to play as much as possible. At United we’ve got a tight squad, and I see myself as someone who tries to be a team player.
“In terms of it being a whole squad, I’m part of that and I want to try and push the players that are maybe in the team or other players in the squad. It is frustrating, but I keep pushing.
“I’ve kept fit, and I’ve been working with the strength and conditioning coaches to make sure I’m in the best place possible.”
A number of Wales players moved over the summer and have really thrived at new clubs: Olivia Clark, Charlie Estcourt, Gemma Evans to name but a few.
Ladd herself contemplated a move away from Old Trafford over the summer, but says staying was the right thing to do.
“It’s always got to be in the back of your mind what the best option for you is. For me, I did weigh it up in the summer and it made sense to me to stay.
“It’s not an easy decision and I applaud the girls who have left their clubs or situations and have gone to get more minutes. It’s something that you can never really get the judgement right, it can go both ways sometimes.
“That’s where I’m at right now, but most of all, I feel prepared and ready for these two games.”
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Developing defence
Club football is well and truly in the rear-view mirror for the next two weeks, as Wales prepare to face Ireland in what could be two historic games.
Ladd has been part of a defence that have received some criticism during the campaign, but against Slovakia in Cardiff, the defence more than stepped up.
The Red Devil believes it has been a slow burn for the backline, but heading into Friday’s clash, think they’re in a great space.
“It’s been a game-by-game thing with the defence. We’ve stepped up little things and made marginal gains in each game.
“We’re in a good space now and I feel like we’re going into these games feeling confident as a back line, and hopefully we can set the tone for the rest of the team as well.”
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Sweeping Switzerland under the carpet
While all the talk about history surrounds this vital game, it’s worth remembering that Wales have been in a playoff final before.
Against Switzerland for a place in the 2023 World Cup, Cymru conceded in the 120th minute and suffered a heartbreaking loss.
Naturally, now back in a final, memories of Zurich are bound to crop up, but Ladd says the issue has been addressed many moons ago.
“I think it’s probably something we’ve referenced to earlier in the campaign. We’ve digested it and moved on, and it feels like it’s just part of our experience that will enable us to play better. It’s something that’s enriched our experience and something we don’t hold heavy.”
Wales’ place in this final was in doubt for a while, with Slovakia proving to be a stern test, especially away from home.
The scare against the Slovaks was seen as many as necessary, and now for Ladd, she believes it’s given her team the boost they need.
“There are two legs, of course, but we’re going to waste no time before getting stuck in and getting involved in the game as much as possible.
“We know what we’ve got to do, and we obviously know the threats that Ireland pose as well. The Slovakia games were great in terms of getting us to this stage, but we know we have to kick on and bring it home.”
Now the final hurdle comes in the form of the Republic of Ireland. The two teams are evenly matched, and with only five places separating them in the FIFA Rankings, a close game is expected.
Ladd and the rest of the Welsh team know the challenge is enormous, but believe they are in the best place possible leading up to it.
“For some reason, myself and the whole squad feel so ready for this. That’s probably down to Rhian and her staff, because the preparation has been so good, but we all feel in really good shape and we’re ready for the biggest challenge yet.”
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