Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan Set to Play in Women's World Cup Play-off

Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan will play in the second leg of the Republic of Ireland's Women's World Cup play-off against Kazakhstan, according to manager Carla Ward. The Irish team holds an 8-0 lead from the first leg, which took place in Astana, where McCabe was suspended and O'Sullivan was rested due to the artificial pitch.

Despite their significant advantage, Ward emphasized the importance of including both players in the upcoming match at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. She highlighted their status as two of Ireland's best players and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the team's performance.

The first leg saw the Republic of Ireland secure a dominant victory, with multiple players scoring, including Jamie Finn, who netted her first goal for the national team. Ward noted the strong competition within the squad, which she believes will benefit the team as they prepare for a tougher challenge in the play-off final.

O'Sullivan, a Cork native, expressed her excitement about returning to play in front of her home crowd, acknowledging the support she has received throughout her career. She also reflected on her previous absence due to suspension and her appreciation for the team's management in handling her knee injuries.