One last ambition forWales ace Jess

SHE has become the country’s most capped footballer of all time and a symbol for the women’s game in Wales – but Jessica Fishlock has one more ambition left in her career.

The 30-year-old from Cardiff wants to represent her country at a major tournament.

Fishlock became the first Welsh player to reach a landmark 100 caps when she was included in the side to play Northern Ireland this week.

Wales won 3-1 in the friendly at Ystrad Mynach – but it was Fishlock who stole the headlines by becoming Wales’ first player to reach a century of caps.

It means she has more caps than the likes of Neville Southall, the men’s game’s most capped player with 92; Gary Speed and Craig Bellamy who were capped 85 and 78 times respectively.

She has been a part of a sport which has grown in popularity and won increasing respect.

“I thought about it a bit more on the run-up, as I could have gotten any little injury ahead of the game,” she said.

“But it’s amazing to see how far the sport has come since I first started. When I had my first cap, we pretty much had nothing.”

Fishlock was awarded her first cap when she played against Switzerland in 2006.

Wales won 3-2 and she scored a free kick from a training ground routine.

She told of how, back then, the women’s team would struggle to have access to kit and medical staff.

“People still want more, but we pretty much have everything compared to when we started,” she said.

“We have great supporters, great medics and great media. It’s my responsibility to interact with supporters. If I did not speak to them I would not be doing my job. It’s part of my role – to thank them for supporting us and to raise awareness of our team.”

The Seattle Reign player spoke support from her family.

“They are the best people I know,” she added. “I haven’t really celebrated much this week as we had to prepare for another game, but I plan to spend some time with my family soon to celebrate.”

Fishlock has already achieved so much in her career, but she has one more goal she would like to fulfil.

She said: “I’d really love to play in a major tournament. If I had to retire tomorrow, I could be proud of what I’ve achieved. But playing in a major tournament is a dream that I don’t think will ever die.” also