LITTLE WENT A LONG WAY..

RUESHA LITTLEJOHN is on the verge of joining a new club.

It was announced last week the Ireland international was leaving West Ham United.

But remaining tight-lipped on her future, she said: “I’ve got something lined up, I’m excited and looking forward to a “more accepting community”, she hopes the men’s game can soon celebrate gay players.

Mccabe said: “It’s time, especially because men’s football has such a massive following. We do too, but not as big as the men’s game.

“When you have a platform, it’s important to use it.

“You see it with Marcus Rashford this week, with the U-turn he forced the UK government into.

“It can be used in a positive way. But the person needs to be ready themselves. It’s a big deal for a lot of people so it’s about finding the right time.”

Mccabe added: “We’ve had tremendous support from our friends and family, and being in the female game is a lot more accepting.

“There’s a wider range of the LGBT community in the women’s game, even with teams when I was growing up.

“So I think that’s important: the environment you’re in and that you’re comfortable to be who you are.”

No different to any other couple living together in Covid lockdown, Mccabe and Littlejohn have experienced highs and lows.

Football took a back seat when the women’s Premier League was shut down in March and then what’s in store.” Littlejohn hinted that her new club was near London, adding: “It’s close to home and [the travelling] could be a lot worse.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal star Katie Mccabe is “gutted” that her Ireland team-mate Louise Quinn is leaving the Gunners.

Centre-back Quinn is mulling over her options after three cancelled altogether last month.

But while the Arsenal and West Ham duo did their own training, they had other priorities to keep them focused.

Littlejohn’s twin sister lives nearby in St Albans and, as a producer for ITV, had to work throughout the lockdown and so too did her husband.

“We’ve been looking after the babies quite a lot,” said Littlejohn. “We’re very close as twins and it worked out nicely as we’re hands on with the babies.

“That’s given us something else to keep us motivated.”

So too has clarity about on-field

It has been very moving for us. To get messages on Instagram & social media meant a lot to us

matters.

Littlejohn is focused on joining a new club in the coming days while Mccabe is back in preseason training on July 20.

Ireland’s three remaining Euro 2021 qualifiers – the finals have been pushed back to 2022 – have also been rescheduled.

Ireland top their group but have to play red-hot favourites Germany home (December 1) and away (September 19) and also Ukraine away (October 23).

Mccabe said: “It’s a breath of fresh air knowing you’ve something to work towards.

“We’ve more time to prepare and get the squad together as we’ve had some injuries.” years at the London giants.

“She has been an absolute professional the whole time and it has not really hit me yet,” said Mccabe.

“Her professionalism, her ability, her intelligence ≠ everything about her is 100 per cent.

“But we still have unfinished business with Ireland.”