A former coach of one of Ireland Women's World Cup squad has said he never thought he'd see it happen.

Tony Poutch coached Áine O'Gorman in Co Wicklow when she was starting out.

The World Cup starts on Thursday and will see Ireland take on co-hosts Australia.

The match, at Stadium Australia in Sydney, kicks-off at 11am Irish time (8pm local time).

Mr Poutch told Lunchtime Live Áine was always going to go far.

"It's something I thought I'd never see, to be perfectly honest with you," he said.

"When you get to a certain age - every four years you qualify for the World Cup - so this year it was good to see.

"Áine played with the boys team in Enniskerry; I think they're due a lot of credit for Áine's development.

"At the time it wouldn't have been easy for lads to take girls into their team.

"Then she came to a little academy we had here in Wicklow, and from there she came with me to Stella Maris where she got her first international cap at 16".

'They've great spirit'

Asked about Ireland's outlook for Thursday, Mr Poutch said he has no doubts.

"I think we'll get something out of the game," he said.

"We've played Australia in Tallaght [and] we beat them 1-0.

"So I don't think there's any need to be afraid of them.

"These are a great bunch of girls, they've great spirit - and that's what counts when you get out on the pitch.

"It's 11 against 11 and who wants it the most will get it".

Louise Quinn during a Republic of Ireland training session at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia. Picture by: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Alan Moore is Chairperson of Blessington FC, the childhood club of defender Louise Quinn, and said support is reaching fever pitch.

"In the club and also along the village - the club, along with the FAI, have done quite a lot of work," he said.

"All the local businesses are decked out in Ireland colours.

"I know where Louise grew up there's a huge banner, spanning the width of her road, wishing her good luck.

"I know there's more to come this week, so it's getting really good".

Amber Barrett during a Republic of Ireland training session at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia. Picture by: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Noel Gillespie from Milford FC, Amber Barrett's first club in Donegal, said she was always very talented.

"When Amber started with us she played with the boys under-10s, under-12s - we'd no girls team," he said.

"Amber growing up was a talented sports person, talented sprinter, talented Gaelic player, talented soccer player.

"Amber always had sporting ability in abundance, so she was always going to pick one sport to excel at.

"Soccer was the sport that she chose and it was always evident that she could go places," he added.

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Main image: Áine O'Gorman during a Republic of Ireland training session at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia. Picture by: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile