Kelly's heart is set on playing for Ireland as Town target double delight in the Cup final

SHORTLY before the Ireland squad for next week's Nations League promotion/relegation playoff against Belgium was named, Kelly Brady was asked if her papers were in order.

- By MARK MCCADDEN

Brady celebrates after the 4-0 win over Sligo Rovers last weekend

"I have my passport and ready to go, just waiting on the call," replied the US-born striker, whose dad hails from Castleblaney in Co Monaghan and whose grandfather on her mum's side is from Kinvara in Galway.

Brady was at Tallaght Stadium for the Women's FAI Cup final media day, along with some teammates and a handful of players from tomorrow's opposition Bohemians.

Just wait a few hours, joked one member of the media to the league's top scorer with 20 goals this year, and make the case to Carla Ward yourself.

That's because Ward was due in Tallaght later that day to confirm her squad.

A family emergency meant that the former Aston Villa boss would lean on her assistant Alan Mahon to deliver the news, which he did soon after the Athlone and Bohs contingent cleared out.

Brady's name wasn't one of the 24, but she, and Shamrock Rovers defender Maria Reynolds were both named on standby, and were invited to train with the squad next week.

It's a step in the right direction for a player with an American accent, but with as strong a connection to these shores as any member of the diaspora.

There is no doubting Brady's Irish-ness. She grew up playing Gaelic football with Rockland GAA Club in New York, although she hasn't taken it back up since her move to the midlands.

"Not since I came over and played in the Feile when I was 14," she told Off The Ball this week.