Carla Ward Confirms Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan Will Play as Republic of Ireland Chase World Cup Play-Off Final Spot
Ward: 'Katie and Denise will play, let me be very clear'
Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward has confirmed that captain Katie McCabe and vice-captain Denise O'Sullivan will return to the side for the second leg of the Women's World Cup play-off against Kazakhstan, even though the tie is effectively settled after an 8-0 first-leg victory in Astana.
McCabe was suspended for the emphatic win in Kazakhstan, while O'Sullivan did not make the trip as the first leg was played on an artificial surface. With a play-off final against Belgium or Poland awaiting the winners, Ward insisted the experienced pair would still be involved at Pairc Ui Chaoimh as Ireland look to maintain their unbeaten record at the Cork venue.
"Katie and Denise will play, let me be very clear," Ward said. "We're going to try and step up again, we want to be front-footed, we want to be better and them two are arguably two of Ireland's greatest ever players so why wouldn't they go back in? They could go into any team in the world, so if they are fit and available why wouldn't they play?"
Finn and Larkin step up in Astana rout
Ward's side produced a dominant performance in the first leg despite missing O'Sullivan, McCabe and the influential Marissa Sheva, who was also suspended. Kyra Carusa scored twice, with Chloe Mustaki, Emily Murphy, Abbie Larkin, Jamie Finn, Shanade Hopcroft and Jessie Stapleton also on the scoresheet against a Kazakhstan side that had captain Yulia Myasnikova sent off on 33 minutes.
Finn, drafted into the starting line-up, marked her opportunity with her first Republic of Ireland goal, and Ward was pleased that players on the fringes of the squad were able to make an impression with key figures absent.
"I was saying to the group this morning it's really good we have strong competition everywhere now. Jamie came in and did tremendously well and we have a really good group," she added.
"I talk a lot about the culture and the tight-knit of them and now they want to drive each other and push each other and raise each other all the time.
"We're in a really good position because we're not just a team built on culture anymore, we're a bloody good football team.
"Jamie will be knocking on Denise's door, everyone will be knocking on each other's door and that's only positive for what we want to try and achieve."
O'Sullivan relishing Cork homecoming
Cork native O'Sullivan missed the Republic of Ireland's dramatic 3-2 victory over the Netherlands at Pairc Ui Chaoimh earlier this year through suspension, but she is relishing the chance to play in front of a home crowd on Tuesday.
Ireland have won all three matches they have played at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, including that late win over the Netherlands.
"I absolutely love playing here. It's really special, my family being here, a lot of people I have grown up with who have obviously supported me, the whole of Cork has supported me throughout my career," said O'Sullivan, who is set to win her 133rd cap, putting her just one behind Emma Byrne's record.
"It's great to be back here and the team, Carla, everyone loves playing in Cork. There's a really good atmosphere, everyone comes out and doesn't stop from minute one to 90."
Ward revealed that O'Sullivan "wasn't happy" about being left at home for the long trip to Kazakhstan, but the Gotham FC midfielder understands the need to be carefully managed after persistent knee problems.
"I want to put the Ireland shirt on every opportunity I can but I also look at is as I appreciate Carla and the staff for putting their foot down and not allowing me to do it because I have been, over the past year and a half having some injuries with my knees," said the 32-year-old.
"I appreciate them stepping in and saying, 'Look, it's not good for you to do that'.
"I had to take it in the end, and look, we have a really fantastic team who went out there and put on a very professional performance.
"They got the job done. At the end of the day, when the team wins and puts in a good performance, I'm happy."
What comes next
Tuesday's second leg at Pairc Ui Chaoimh kicks off at 19:30, with the Republic of Ireland all but assured of a place in the play-off final against either Belgium or Poland. Ward's side are bidding to reach back-to-back World Cups after making their tournament debut at the 2023 finals in Australia.