Striker Katie Rood has not given up her hopes of forcing her way back into the Football Ferns for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite having not played for her country since 2019, Rood (30) says she hopes there’s still time for her to make Jitka Klimková’s Ferns squad.
Rood has scored some spectacular goals this season for her Scottish club Hearts, including one in the side’s latest game, a 4-1 Scottish Cup tie victory against Partick Thistle.
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“For me, I still have an eye on that World Cup in New Zealand in July, so just making sure that I try and be influential on the pitch and contribute to positive results,” she told the Edinburgh News.
“I had a bit of a shaky start to the season; I wasn’t involved in the goalscoring as much as I’d have liked to be”, she said.
“On the pitch, I always want to score goals, get assists, be impactful, and be a nightmare for defenders.”
Two of her Hearts teammates are also hoping to get to the Women’s World Cup — Ciara Grant (Republic of Ireland) and Vyan Sampson (Jamaica).
“It’s going to be an amazing event. I’d be more excited if I was involved.” Rood said.
“I’ve got a few months now to try and really push for that.
“Regardless, if I am in the team or not. It is going to be a monumental occasion for women’s football and women’s sport in general.
“It’s exciting, and I’m sure Australia and New Zealand will be great hosts as well.”
Main photo: Katie Rood … hoping to wear the Ferns kit again. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
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