The Republic of Ireland women’s team will host Poland in a World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium on April 18th.
The other home matches against France and the Netherlands in the Nations League Group A2 will remain at Tallaght Stadium so Carla Ward’s side have a better chance of containing the higher ranked opponents.
France are seventh in the current Fifa world rankings with the Dutch 11th, Poland 24th and Ireland 27th.
“I did [push for France in Tallaght] because we can control it,” said Ward. “The pitch is slighter smaller and you can dictate, let’s be honest.”
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In 2020, the former Ireland manager Vera Pauw narrowed the Tallaght pitch, within Uefa rules, for the visit of Germany.
“We will try do everything we can to make that as difficult as possible. We want to get to the World Cup – whether that’s by hook or by crook.”
Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan and Lazio defender Megan Connolly return from injury ahead of the March qualifiers against France and the Netherlands. Ireland welcome the French to Tallaght on Tuesday, March 3rd before playing the Dutch in Utrecht on Saturday, March 7th.
The four teams that finish top of their Nations League A groups will qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, with the other countries entering the seeded playoffs.
Leanne Kiernan, who Liverpool recently loaned to Nottingham Forest, also returns to a 23-strong panel that does not include Tara O’Hanlon, Jess Ziu, Heather Payne or Izzy Atkinson.
Katie McCabe will captain the squad. The 30-year-old is expected to part company with Arsenal this summer, and Ward believes she will have a number of options available to her if she moves on.
“I’ve spoken to Katie,” said Ward. “In my opinion, and I’ve said this for a long time, she’s one of the best left backs in the world.
“She’s not going to be short of options. Wherever she moves, in my opinion, will be a top club getting a very top player.”
On Denise O’Sullivan signing for Liverpool after eight years at the North Carolina Courage, Ward said: “I think it was a really good move, you know, delighted to have her back in the WSL. In my opinion, it’s the most competitive league in the world and I think for Denise it’s a really good opportunity.
“For us, it’s just great to have her back closer to home.”
Did Ireland restore confidence ahead of Twickenham showdown?
Ward was also asked about the Republic of Ireland’s men’s team drawing Israel in the upcoming Nations League.
“My political views won’t come into this,” Ward said. “My job is the football side. Similar to Heimir [Hallgrímsson].
“It is a difficult one. I believe [FAI chief executive] David [Courell] will be talking to you guys fairly soon. So it is for them to answer rather than ourselves to get caught up in it.”
Courell is due to hold a press conference next week.
On Ireland players being allowed to air their views on whether the men’s team should fulfil the Israel fixtures, Ward added: “I am big on an open line of communication with my players, no matter what is the subject. I will make them feel as comfortable as possible if they have a view or an opinion. I will support that, but it is a very difficult situation for all.”
Courell and FAI president Paul Cooke declined to speak to the media after the Nations League draw in Brussels last Thursday when the Republic of Ireland were drawn in Group B3 alongside Kosovo, Austria and Israel.
Ward also revealed that over 200 coaches applied to replace Alan Mahon as her number two before the FAI appointed former Bohemians assistant manager Gary Cronin in January.
“Gary has been a breath of fresh air,” she said. “We went through quite a tough process. We had over 200 applicants, went through three stages.
“I was quite brutal, I’m not going to lie. I wanted to see everything. I wanted to see them on the pitch, how they present, how they would present to players, to staff, how they do everything. He was the standout. I’m glad to have him in, he knows the Irish game inside out.
“There were probably 20 Ireland-based [coaches]. It didn’t come into it where anyone was from. It was so important to get that person. I think we’ve got a really strong candidate.”
Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Sunderland).
Defenders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Jessie Stapleton (Nottingham Forest, on loan), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest).
Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan (Liverpool), Tyler Toland (Durham), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Crystal Palace), Jamie Finn (Sunderland).
Attackers: Saoirse Noonan (Celtic), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Nottingham Forest, on loan), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current, on loan), Amber Barrett (Strasbourg).
Fifa Women’s World Cup European Qualifiers
Tuesday, March 3rd: Republic of Ireland v France, Tallaght Stadium, 7.30pm.
Saturday, March 7th: Netherlands v Republic of Ireland, Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht, 7.45pm (Irish time).
Tuesday, April 14th: Poland v Republic of Ireland, Gdańsk Stadium, kick-off time TBC.
Saturday, April 18th: Republic of Ireland v Poland, Aviva Stadium, kick-off time TBC.
Friday, June 5th: Ireland v Netherlands, Tallaght Stadium kick-off time TBC.
Tuesday, June 9th: France v Ireland, Stade des Alpes, Grenoble, kick-off time TBC.
