Globe-trotting McCabe will be back in time for Sweden clash

Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson says she has no concerns over the fitness of her captain Katie McCabe, who will link up with the squad late next week after Arsenal’s post-season trip to Australia. Ahead of their Euro 2025 qualifying double-header against Sweden, McCabe has been included in Gleeson’s 26-strong squad as expected, despite the fact she will return from her club’s trip Down Under just five days before the Lansdowne Road clash against the Swedes. McCabe’s Arsenal take on an A League selection in Melbourne tomorrow.

Gleeson says the Irish camp has been in close contact with the Gunners over McCabe’s well-being and has brought in sleep experts to ensure the skipper is ready to hit the ground running on her return as Ireland target their first points in the group at home to the world No 6 side tomorrow week.

However, Manchester City’s Tara O’Hanlon will play no part, having been ruled out for four to five months with a hamstring tear.

“She [McCabe] will come in a little bit later,” said Gleeson. “She flies into London on Sunday, so probably won’t join us until Tuesday. We have a very detailed recovery and sleep strategy. We’ve brought in sleep experts and worked with Arsenal on that. We’ve been planning for it for a long time.

“Katie travelled with the Arsenal squad on Sunday. She’s in good form, she’s fit, she’s rested. There’s been a lot of communication with the club around recovery and sleep strategies for when she returns.”

Asked about the timing of the trip to Australia being so close to an international window, Gleeson said it’s a situation that is out of their hands.

“She’s a hugely important player as we know, but we have to manage these situations. They’re out of our operational control. We can’t stop it, so we have to adapt to it and work with the club, look to keep Katie safe and have her ready for the game.

“For us, we have to keep the focus on the game, manage the situation and make sure we can have Katie well rested and have her ready for us for the Aviva.”

With this being the first camp since Sinead Farrelly announced her retirement from international football, 12 months on from the 34-year-old’s debut, Gleeson said she didn’t try to convince the eight-cap midfielder to change her mind.

“We had a very good chat. Sinead felt she didn’t have the capacity, in terms of the loading, in terms of the travel demands, in terms of where she was at in her own life,” said Gleeson.

“We would have loved Sinead to continue with us. It was disappointing, but you have to stay respectful. Trying to force someone to do something is not for me. I knew the load was taking its toll on her. She was taking a lot longer to recover from injuries, getting recurring injuries, getting less time playing because she was managing injuries more than she was playing. So the double load of club and international was too much for her.

“We wish Sinead all the best and if she feels that this gives her more longevity at [her] club, that’s the decision that she has to make. We’re super respectful of that.”

Denise O’Sullivan was one injury concern this month but Gleeson confirmed the midfielder’s recent knee issue is more minor than initially thought.

“I’m feeling very positive that she will be available for us,” said the head coach.

Last week, the GAA granted permission for Páirc Uí Chaoimh to host Ireland’s clash with France on July 16. Although it’s yet to be confirmed by the FAI and is pending UEFA approval, Gleeson said her side would be more than happy to play at the home of Cork GAA.

“We know Tallaght and the Aviva are not available for the July window. Páirc Uí Chaoímh is one of the strong contenders. We know we have a strong following from the Munster area. If it’s confirmed that we are in Páirc Uí Chaoímh, we’ll be delighted to be there,” added Gleeson.

Niamh Fahey and Heather Payne are ruled out with Achilles injuries, while there was a first call-up for Cork City midfielder Eva Mangan.

After beginning the campaign with defeats to France and England, the girls in green host Sweden at Lansdowne Road tomorrow week, before travelling to Stockholm for the return leg on Tuesday, June 4.

IRELAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes). Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses).

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Ruesha Littlejohn (London City Lionesses), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Jess Ziu (West Ham United), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Erin McLaughlin (Peamount United), Eva Mangan (Cork City), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Emily Murphy (Wake Forest University), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege).