Marissa Callaghan: North have tools needed to win historic Dublin showdown

The veteran says Katie McCabe poses the most obvious threat from the hosts.

EXPERIENCE: Northern Ireland veteran, Marissa Callaghan at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Northern Ireland veteran Marissa Callaghan admits it would be ‘incredible’ if they could upset the odds by ruining Ireland’s landmark day tomorrow.

For the first time in the 50-year history of the women’s team, the national stadium at Lansdowne Road will host a senior international – the meeting of the teams sharing the same island.

Ireland, as top seeds, are expected to sweep aside Northern Ireland, Hungary and Albania in this maiden Nations League campaign to gain promotion into League A for next year’s European Championship qualifiers.

Ireland’s mission, despite the turbulence caused by Vera Pauw’s recent axing as manager, is to complement their first World Cup appearance in the summer by reaching Switzerland in 2025.

The FAI have estimated a record crowd of 38,000 for the 1pm fixture and Callaghan realises they are being cast as the party poopers.

They were the first team from Ireland to reach the last Euros in England but the sides have diverged since, with the Republic sitting 24h in FIFA rankings, 23 places ahead of their rivals.

Callaghan has been there since the dark days and sees the arrival of former Chelsea assistant Tanya Oxtoby as part of a new chapter in their history.

“For me, international football is a little bit different than club football,” says the 38-year-old Cliftonville stalwart.

“Every time you step out onto the pitch, that pride and passion you feel, you'd be up for every single game whether it's a competition or a friendly.

“For me, again, Tanya has just come in, we've had our first camp and the coaching staff has given us all the tools we need to go out and win this game tomorrow.

“If we win it, that's incredible but we'd still have to focus on Tuesday’s game against Albania.” 

When asked to pinpoint the strength within her opponents, she didn’t hesitate to namecheck her fellow captain.

“I think we all know that answer don’t we?,” she said with a smile..

“Katie McCabe is obviously a world-class player. She just got nominated as a top player in the world. She’s outstanding in terms of on and off the pitch. We know she’s going to be a challenge for us tomorrow. We have players here who will try and stop that.”