‘State of shock’ – talkSPORT host Ruesha Littlejohn helps Republic of Ireland with rare ‘goal’ in Player of the Match display
talkSPORT co-host Ruesha Littlejohn unexpectedly became Ireland’s hero in Cardiff on Friday night. Although her nation’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Wales won’t officially be credited to her, Littlejohn – who hosts The Kickback on YouTube with her sister Shebahn Aherne – still basked in the glory of her contribution. PALittlejohn couldn’t believe her luck as the 30-yard shot looped into the goal[/caption] The experienced midfielder made her return to the starting line-up at Cardiff City Stadium after missing the previous camp due to injury. It proved to be the right decision too, as Littlejohn not only earned Player of the Match award but also played a key role in Ireland’s equaliser. The Welsh had taken the lead through Lily Woodham, but Ireland quickly responded in the Euro 2025 play-off first leg. Littlejohn let fly a curling shot from 30 yards out, which struck the crossbar before deflecting off Welsh goalkeeper Olivia Clark’s head and into the net. Though it was ultimately ruled as an own goal, it was a moment to remember for Littlejohn, who had gone nearly eight years without scoring for Ireland. Her reaction to the goal led to some playful banter from RTÉ panellists Louise Quinn and Stephanie Zambra during the halftime analysis. When Tony O’Donoghue interviewed her after the match, Littlejohn laughed off the comments, admitting she was still in ‘a state of shock’ after the unexpected strike. “It’s been a long time – I haven’t scored in about seven years, so I don’t know what happened, but we’ll take it!” Littlejohn said. “I saw the ball coming back to me and thought, ‘I’ll hit it.’ “It was a bit of a loopy one, but sometimes you need a bit of luck in these games and we’ll take that. On to the second leg now. Littlejohn won Player of the Match after her wondergoal against WalesSportsfile Responding to her teammates’ teasing about her celebration, she grinned and said, “Was it shocking? You know I was practising that in the mirror! “You don’t believe me? It’s been so long I didn’t even know what to do! I was just in a bit of shock, that’s all.” Having battled fitness issues in recent months, Littlejohn’s strong midfield performance was key to Ireland’s comeback. With the second leg at the Aviva next Tuesday, fans will be hoping for another stellar display from the 34-year-old who plays for London City Lionesses.
talkSPORT co-host Ruesha Littlejohn unexpectedly became Ireland’s hero in Cardiff on Friday night.
Although her nation’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Wales won’t officially be credited to her, Littlejohn – who hosts The Kickback on YouTube with her sister Shebahn Aherne – still basked in the glory of her contribution.
The experienced midfielder made her return to the starting line-up at Cardiff City Stadium after missing the previous camp due to injury.
It proved to be the right decision too, as Littlejohn not only earned Player of the Match award but also played a key role in Ireland’s equaliser.
The Welsh had taken the lead through Lily Woodham, but Ireland quickly responded in the Euro 2025 play-off first leg.
Littlejohn let fly a curling shot from 30 yards out, which struck the crossbar before deflecting off Welsh goalkeeper Olivia Clark’s head and into the net.
Though it was ultimately ruled as an own goal, it was a moment to remember for Littlejohn, who had gone nearly eight years without scoring for Ireland.
Her reaction to the goal led to some playful banter from RTÉ panellists Louise Quinn and Stephanie Zambra during the halftime analysis.
When Tony O’Donoghue interviewed her after the match, Littlejohn laughed off the comments, admitting she was still in ‘a state of shock’ after the unexpected strike.
“It’s been a long time – I haven’t scored in about seven years, so I don’t know what happened, but we’ll take it!” Littlejohn said.
“I saw the ball coming back to me and thought, ‘I’ll hit it.’
“It was a bit of a loopy one, but sometimes you need a bit of luck in these games and we’ll take that. On to the second leg now.
Responding to her teammates’ teasing about her celebration, she grinned and said, “Was it shocking? You know I was practising that in the mirror!
“You don’t believe me? It’s been so long I didn’t even know what to do! I was just in a bit of shock, that’s all.”
Having battled fitness issues in recent months, Littlejohn’s strong midfield performance was key to Ireland’s comeback.
With the second leg at the Aviva next Tuesday, fans will be hoping for another stellar display from the 34-year-old who plays for London City Lionesses.
