Carla Ward says Katie McCabe is ready to go for 'must-win' Turkey clash

RTÉ News​

5 days ago

Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward insists Katie McCabe is fit and ready to play against Turkey tomorrow evening having savoured the joyous celebrations that followed Arsenal's Champions League triumph.
The Gunners beat Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon last Saturday to win the crown for the second time in their history.
McCabe was excellent in the decider, producing a disciplined, high-quality display to help her team shut out Barca's star-studded attack.
She was front and centre of the team's gathering in London with supporters on Monday, and was given a great welcome by her international team-mates when she arrived at Ireland's hotel in Istanbul on Wednesday.
McCabe trained today and - according to Ward - is available to feature in tomorrow's Nations League clash at the Esenler Stadium.
"Katie's a pro," the boss told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue. "You never want anyone to not celebrate such a massive, massive win and important moment in her career.
"It was about her enjoying those celebrations but she's a professional, she's fit, she's ready. Maybe a question mark on her calf at the moment... but she's said to me straight away, 'I'm ready, I want to play', so of course she's available for selection."
Ward had predicted Arsenal would upset the odds and turn over Barcelona. Assessing McCabe's performance, she said: "She was unbelievable. I thought they all were. I think tactically they got the game plan right.
"Katie's Katie - you know what you're going to get. She's wholehearted, she's front footed, she's tenacious, she gives you everything. Her overall performance was outstanding but credit to Renee (Slegers), the team and all of them involved because it was some achievement.
"As soon as Arsenal won that game the talk (among the Ireland players) was, 'how do we welcome them back?'. It's safe to say Katie was pleased. (It was) a really positive evening when she came in. Delighted to have her back and unbelievably proud of what she's achieved."
Ireland can expect a difficult game against the Turks, who were stubborn and resilient when the countries met in Tallaght back in March. Ireland won 1-0 that night thanks to a Kyra Carusa header, but they were fortunate not to concede a late leveller.
The Girls in Green must win to keep alive their hopes of winning the group and gaining automatic promotion back to League A of the Nations League. And while Ward expects a stern examination, she's confident they can show things are beginning to gel under her watch.
"That first game, we've looked at it and whilst we had a lot of the ball, we didn't do enough with it. Since then we have. We've increased a lot of the numbers we wanted to. The team is starting to grow.
"Turkey are a good side, and they know if they beat us and beat Greece they can finish second. Let's be really clear, this is a must-win game. We have to go and get three points. We have to make sure we're switched on, we're focused and we get the job done."
There's been concerted efforts to implement a patient, passing style but Ward admitted Ireland won't shy away from using a couple of trusty old assets if they need to.
The towering Louise Quinn is in the squad ahead of her summer retirement, as is Megan Campbell, who set a new Guinness world record earlier this month after performing the longest ever throw-in by a female footballer.
"We know that if we need goals we've got a Guinness world record holder and also Lou Quinn that we can turn to," added Ward.