'One of the most gifted midfielders in world soccer' Denise O'Sullivan joins Brighton on loan
Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)
Republic of Ireland star Denise O’Sullivan has signed a loan deal with Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of December.
The midfielder has made the move from North Carolina Courage in order to make herself available for Ireland’s crunch Euro 2021 qualifiers against Germany and Ukraine in the coming month.
Cork native O’Sullivan joins international teammates Rianna Jarrett and Megan Connolly on England’s south coast for the first half of the new season.
The 25-year-old has established herself as one of the best players in one of the world’s best leagues, winning the Courage’s MVP award two years in a row as they lifted the NWSL title.
And it’s her desire to be available for Vera Pauw’s side ahead of the double-header with Germany, either side of a trip to Ukraine, that inspired her to seek the temporary move.
“O’Sullivan will change Brighton’s whole way of playing,” NC Courage head coach Paul Riley told the club’s official website.
“She has a massive impact on tactics because she controls the tempo, dictates the tempo and her job functions are multi-faceted.
“She is the first player on the team sheet every week in Courage Country and she has left an indelible mark on our younger players through her training habits, game preparation rituals and her magical mindset which sets her apart from most professional players.
“She is a fantastic player and we understand she has some huge games coming up for her country that she must play in.
“We felt it was in the best interests of player safety and player development that we put her on loan so quarantine restrictions would not deny her the ability to fully train and prepare for our 2021 season.
“Brighton will be a great home for her and we wish her all the best for her loan club and country as she continues to identify herself as one of the most gifted and complete midfielders in world soccer.”
A 23-strong Irish squad will travel to Germany on Monday for a week-long training camp ahead of the meeting with the Germans in Essen on the 19th.
