Brian Sorensen to join Ireland for World Cup play-off push

Brian Sorensen is back in international football. The former Everton manager is set to join the Republic of Ireland as an assistant coach for their Women's World Cup play-off qualifiers, according to the BBC.

He will work under Ireland manager Carla Ward. Liverpool's Amber Whiteley is also part of the coaching team for the play-offs.

It is a short-term move with a clear target. Ireland face Kazakhstan in the first round of play-off qualifying for the Women's World Cup. The tie is played over two legs, one game each, with the combined score deciding who goes through, on 9 and 13 October.

Sorensen and Ward know each other well. Ward previously managed Aston Villa in the Women's Super League, England's top division, and came up against Sorensen's Everton.

Sorensen will not leave his club job to take the role. He will stay on as technical director with Aston Villa Women, a behind-the-scenes role focused on recruitment and long-term planning, and link up with Ireland during the international break, the window when club football pauses for national-team matches.

What makes this stand out is the timing. Play-off football is tense and unforgiving. One bad night can end a World Cup dream. Ireland are bringing in extra experience for exactly that moment.

For new fans, this is where the road to the World Cup gets real. Win over two games, and Ireland stay alive. Lose, and they go home.