Diane Caldwell set to join the 100 club against Albania
SUPREME SERVANT: Diane Caldwell during a Republic of Ireland WNT training session. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Diane Caldwell is in line to become only the seventh female Ireland centurion on Friday when they host Albania in the first of the two quickfire Nations League fixtures against the group’s minnows.
The defender made global headlines last month by declaring World Cup qualification was achieved in spite, rather than because, of departed manager Vera Pauw.
She has since been restored to the side by caretaker boss Eileen Gleeson, starting the strolls over Northern Ireland (3-0) and Hungary (4-0).
Another six points against the team ranked 72 in FIFA rankings, 48 places behind Ireland, will wrap up top spot in their group with next month’s double-header to play. Most importantly, that guarantees competing in League A for next year’s qualifiers to reach the Switzerland-hosted Euros in 2025.
Although Gleeson wouldn’t confirm that Caldwell will feature at Tallaght Stadium to claim cap No. 100, she’s unlikely to stray from a winning formula – even if Megan Campbell is now available following her latest injury.
“The cards are close to the chest but it will be a proud moment for Diane,” said Gleeson, who reiterated her stance that she’s not interested in succeeding Pauw on a permanent basis, as the Head of Women and Girls football role is her priority within the FAI.
“Diane is really patriotic, really passionate and she gives her heart and soul in every performance. That’s everything we want playing for Ireland, so it is a huge moment for her and a proud moment for everyone around her.”
Teammate Denise O’Sullivan, herself a centurion, echoed the plaudits for one of the great servants, now based with FC Zurich.
“I have played with Diane for many years with Ireland, also with North Carolina Courage at club level, so I know the dedication and what Diane does every single day.
"She is a true professional and I am really proud of her and to see her get her 100th cap here would be absolutely amazing.”
Gleeson has a fully-fit squad but is preaching against assumptions when it comes to the opposition. The teams meet again on Tuesday in Shkodër, before next month’s assignments against Hungary at home and Northern Ireland up the M1 complete the schedule.
“Albania will be well-organised,” she noted.
“They appear to have a very clear playing philosophy; they like to play out from the back and try to build up.
“They have some really good players, one in the No 10 role and right winger. So, they’ve got a lot of opportunity to exploit us if we are not 100%.
“We’re not expecting anyone to roll over for us. The expectation is that we pick up six points but I keep saying that we have to make that happen. We think the men’s game has developed, the women’s may have a way to go in terms of resources.
"They’ll come out and have a go at us and we need to be ready for that.”
Friday, October 27: Ireland v Albania, Tallaght Stadium (5.45pm).
Tuesday, October 31: Albania v Ireland, Loro Borici Stadium, Shkodër (5pm, Irish time).
Friday, December 1: Ireland v Hungary, Tallaght Stadium.
Tuesday, December 5: Northern Ireland v Ireland, Belfast.
Ireland 3 Northern Ireland 0; Albania 1 Hungary 1; Northern Ireland 1 Albania 0; Hungary 0 Ireland 4.
Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes)
Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Claire O'Riordan (Standard Liege), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Megan Campbell (Everton)
Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Sinead Farrelly (NJ/NY Gotham), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Heather Payne (Everton), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United)
Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Abbie Larkin (Glasgow City), Saoirse Noonan (Durham WFC), Emily Whelan (Glasgow City), Erin McLaughlin (Peamount United).
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