Katie McCabe halts Champions League celebrations to join Ireland squad in Istanbul
Katie McCabe will put her Champions League celebrations on hold as the FAI confirmed that the Irish captain will link up with the rest of the international squad in Istanbul this afternoon.
McCabe and her Arsenal teammates paraded their trophy through North London yesterday, culminating in lifting it outside the Emirates in front of thousands of fans, following the Gunners' shock win over Barcelona in Lisbon.
However, the Champions League winner's attention now turns to Ireland as she has to lead her team into a crucial double-header against Turkey this Friday, followed by Slovenia in Cork next Tuesday as they bid to secure top spot in Nations League Group B. Katie McCabe celebrates with the trophy. Pic: INPHO/Jose Breton
They may need a favour from Greece, who face the Slovenians on Friday, or else Carla Ward's side will need to beat Slovenia by four or more goals in Páirc Uí Chaoimh next week.
Louise Quinn, McCabe's longtime international teammate, who spent three years at Arsenal from 2017 to 2020, says that the Irish skipper has done her country proud.
'She did us all proud,' said the veteran defender. 'I can't believe it. It's going to feel weird when she comes into camp here. I was speaking to Emma Byrne there; she was there with Ciara Grant and Yvonne Tracy in 2007 for the last European win, and that was such an iconic photo with them three and the Tricolour. Katie McCabe of Arsenal celebrates with the UEFA Women's Champions League trophy. Pic: Daniela Porcelli/Sportsfile
'And now 18 years on, Katie has made sure there is another iconic photo. And it shows what a girl from Tallaght can do,' Quinn added. 'There have been moments when it has been difficult for her, trying to take the next step up.
'But she has constantly fought through it, with her grit, her talent and personality. It's totally deserved and Katie has shown what a young girl from Ireland can do.'
Denise O'Sullivan and Kyra Carusa will also both link up with the squad today, having travelled from the US, where they were both on club duty, while Amber Whiteley, Ward's assistant coach, has also come into camp, despite still being in the mix to get the Liverpool job on a permanent basis.
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