However, Sheva received another international call-up from Vera Pauw's successor, Eileen Gleeson. The 27-year-old scored in the 6-0 rout of Georgia last Friday.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Sheva admitted that she feared her time with the Girls in Green may have been over after being asked about the topic.
"Yeah. But it’s a decision entirely out of my hands. At some point, you've got to let that go and do what you can at club level to prove yourself. I didn’t fully give up hope, but it was definitely a thought," said Sheva.
The Portland Thorns player is now delighted to be back in the Ireland fold. Sheva wants wins to complement her long-awaited return.
🗣️ 'I guess I just wanted to be part of the party.'
🗣️ 'Everyday I'm grateful to be back in with the group, it's my favourite place to be.'
Marissa Sheva expresses how much it means to her to get her first goal for the Irish WNT. | ☘️@WilliamHillIre pic.twitter.com/ond2MZEkOR
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) October 28, 2024
"I’ve been absolutely buzzing to be back. That has energised me because this is my favourite place to be. I’m hoping to keep getting some wins to qualify."
The team now features different faces in the Ireland camp, including younger players who weren't part of initial Sheva's World Cup experience. The Ireland midfielder admits she's excited by the potential of her teammates.
"It’s a different squad, and only my second camp back," she added. "It’s a squad that’s deep. There are a lot of young players coming in, proving themselves and showing they’re capable of being in the squad. That’s been really exciting."
Ireland plays Georgia in Tallaght Stadium in the second leg tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.
Goalkeepers: Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Katie Keane (Athlone Town)
Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United), Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns)
