THE pinnacle of any player’s career is to put on the shirt of your country.
The first time is an unforgettable experience that lives in the memory for the rest of life. If you are good enough the caps begin to mount. Pride pumps the determination to collect more.
Kelly Bailie is Glentoran Belfast United’s inspirational captain whose skill and deep rooted passion has made her a class act on the Northern Ireland international scene.
Last weekend she became the most capped player for Northern Ireland when she trotted onto the field at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium in Dumbarton, winning her 34th cap.
Kellie Bailie (glentoran Bu) And Most Capped Womens International Player
Northern Ireland, hampered by the absence of some experienced players, lost this friendly game 2-0 to Scotland, but Kelly’s achievement didn’t go unnoticed.
Northern Ireland boss, Alfie Wylie, was quick to praise Kelly. “She is an unassuming person who expresses herself fully on the pitch. She shows marvellous determination and you can always rely on her to be fully committed.
“She never shies away from the action, will accept any position on the pitch and is quite prepared to take responsibility. She has only herself to thank for winning her caps. She is a willing and hard-working player. I congratulate her on her caps total.”
Kelly’s manager at Glentoran BU, Cheryl Lamont, also pays tribute to her captain. “I’m not surprised Kelly has become Northern Ireland’s most capped player. She is an excellent role model for all aspiring players, a core member of GBU where she shows great leadership.”
It is undoubtedly a tremendous feat by the Glens dynamic midfielder who, like most of her teammates, as an amateur player, has to juggle a tough international and club training schedule around work commitments.
She has the support of a sympathetic employer but it is not always easy to get time off to travel to away games. And she has been known to follow up twelve hour shifts with demanding training sessions.
“I love playing football and to have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland is pleasing. To become the most capped player is extra special.
“As a team we have been making huge strides and there are so many good young players coming through. The future is bright.
“I know I will have to remain fit and playing well to hold onto my place as the challenges grow. I intend to add to my collection of caps though.”
Have boots will play, is clearly Kelly’s motto, having played in a number of different positions for her country and just a few weeks ago she even played in goals for her club!
Such has been her impact on the Northern Ireland scene that it is anticipated that she will be around for a long time to come. She has the fifty caps mark in her sights. Many reckon it’s only a matter of time before she notches her half-century.
“Yes, it would be nice to reach such a landmark,” says Kelly. “I would love to reach the fifty mark. I always try to raise my fitness levels and as long as I feel I am playing well I will strive to remain a Northern Ireland international as long as I can.”
Northern Ireland are preparing to face Estonia in a World cup qualifier. Muses Kelly: “We are struggling in the group but we always go out with confidence. It will be a tricky assignment in Estonia, but not beyond us. If we play to our strengths, who knows.”
Kelly Bailie, is a marvellous ambassador for NIWFA and N.I. football. Forget the fifty caps. She is on course to become the first lady ton-up kid.
Report by : Sammy Martin
