Ciara Grant

From Arsenal's site:

Grant nominated for FAI award

Arsenal midfielder Ciara Grant has been nominated in the Womens International Award Category
for the 16th Annual eircom/FAI International Soccer Awards.

The Awards banquet will take place on Sunday February 26th 2006
and televised live from Citywest Hotel.

And, best of luck to Ciara

It's an amazing day

Ciara Grant has enjoyed a trophy-laden career during her eight years with Arsenal but the Republic of Ireland international still relishes every major occasion in the women's game.

As Arsenal prepare to take on Leeds United in the F.A.Women's Cup Final at The Den on Monday, Ciara told Women's Soccer Scene that she still gets the same 'buzz' from the biggest game of the season in the women's football. "I'm really looking forward to the game, but I'm a bit nervous as well," she admits. "The game will be live on TV and there is such interest in the game, but on the day, when you are on the pitch, you forget about television and the size of the crowd and just concentrate on the game."

Arsenal will go into the match as overwhelming favourites but Ciara is quick to dismiss any thoughts of the match being a foregone conclusion. "You don't get used to being favourites," she says, "because if you can get cocky and expect to turn up and win, you can easily get turned over. People say you are favourites but it boils down to who plays better on the day.

"Leeds have players with big match experience who will be up for the occasion and we are fully aware of this."

After having been involved in a close battle for the title all season, Arsenal's strong finish saw them pull away from their rivals to complete a hat-trick of Championships and Ciara is full of praise for her team mates. "I have been at the club for eight years and this is the strongest squad we have ever had," she says. "But in women's football generally, teams are getting stronger and better and it is getting tougher to win the league every year."

Arsenal will be virtually at full strength for the match, with only injury victim Yvonne Tracy absent, and they are focusing on winning back a trophy they have only won once in the last five seasons. "To be in the cup final is an amazing day in itself," says Ciara. "Each year, without being greedy, you just want to get more and more and, even though I already have winners medals from the Cup I want to get that winning feeling again.

"As you get older, it is nice to go out and keep playing and winning, and we are hungry for more success."

Source: womenssoccerscene.co.uk