Katie McCabe has been named as a defender in Carla Ward’s first Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the Nations League ties against Turkey and Slovenia.
The new Ireland manager has signalled her intention to utilise McCabe in a similar role to where she plays for Arsenal.
“Katie is a world class left back,” said Ward. “She can play anywhere but we are going to utilise her to the best of her ability within the system that I want to play.
“I think that will allow her to be a bit more attacking. She is a top player and we need her on the front foot. She creates a lot of problems going forward, she does for Arsenal and it will be no different for us.”
Injury has denied Louise Quinn, Tara O’Hanlon, Lily Agg, Jamie Finn and Jess Ziu a call up while Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell have all recently retired from international football.
“I spoke to Julie-Ann,” Ward continued. “I respect her decision but I was gutted because I think she has a lot to offer. She has been sensational for Ireland, as have Niamh and Diane. They have had a tremendous impact for Ireland so they are a huge loss on and off the pitch.”
Charlton Athletic midfielder Melisa Filis, who qualifies through her Mayo-born mother, is selected after receiving international clearance from Fifa. The 22-year-old was previously capped at underage level by England.
Ward has also added Amber Whiteley to the Ireland coaching ticket. Whiteley will double job with Liverpool and the FAI after previously coaching at Manchester United, Sunderland and the England under-18s.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to work with an exciting group of players as they head into the Uefa Nations League,” said Whiteley. “I am grateful to Liverpool for allowing me the opportunity to work with Ireland and to further my own development.”
Over 7,000 tickets have been sold for the Turkey game at Tallaght Stadium on Friday February 21st before Ireland travel to Slovenia for the second match on Tuesday, February 25th.
Ward has also convinced the FAI to bring a development squad into camp to face Dave Connell’s under-19s next Wednesday on the pitch beside senior training in Abbotstown.
The development group includes Ellen Molloy, a 20-year-old midfielder with enormous potential despite her recent return to Wexford from Sheffield United.
“That development group will be really important. For this camp we have the under-19s and the development group side by side with us. We’ve manipulated the schedule so I’ll be able to oversee that as well.”
On the ongoing dispute between Colin Healy and the FAI, over how the former Ireland assistant coach was not offered a contract extension in 2024, Ward held discussions with Denise O’Sullivan and Caitlin Hayes after both players publicly voiced their disappointment with the association.
“I am very okay with difficult conversations and addressing the elephant in the room. They understand I will support them.
“My job is to get them focused on moving forward and that is exactly what they are going to do.
“My focus is this camp and winning football matches.”
Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Unattached).
Defenders: Heather Payne (Everton), Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland – on loan from West Ham United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses), Katie McCabe (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Ruesha Littlejohn (Unattached), Marissa Sheva (Unattached), Melisa Filis (Charlton Athletic).
Forwards: Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United).
Uefa Nations League B, Group 2
Friday, February 21st
Ireland v Türkiye
Tallaght Stadium, 7.30pm (RTÉ2 / RTÉ Player)
Tuesday, February 25th
Slovenia v Ireland
Bonifika Stadium, Koper, 5pm (RTÉ2 / RTÉ Player)
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