Katie McCabe treks Down Under with Ireland qualifiers around corner

Manchester City's Laura Coombs (right) and Arsenal's Katie McCabe battle for the ball. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Katie McCabe has flown to Australia with Arsenal for an exhibition game on Friday, seven days ahead of her captaining Ireland in the first of two Euro qualifiers against Sweden.

The Ireland skipper wasn’t sure when asked in April whether she’d be obliged to make the gruelling round trip to take on an A League Allstars selection at Marvel Stadium but she’s been included in the squad.

“I’ve no idea,” she said about confirmation of her participation when on Ireland duty for the opening qualifiers against France and England, both defeats..

“Arsenal have committed to a trip Down Under in Melbourne and as far as I know, nothing has been set in stone yet in terms of squad and stuff. My full focus is on tomorrow, it’s a long way away.

“Look, my teammates and I are all in the same position - we all have qualifiers post the Australian trip.

“I’m an Arsenal player, I’m contracted to play for Arsenal and of course if they need to play, then I’ll be playing for them.” 

This development will force Ireland boss Eileen Gleeson to reconfigure preparations for the double-header that concludes at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Tuesday, June 4.

"I mean it's far from ideal," Gleeson said at the time.

"Sarina Wiegman and other coaches have mentioned it in their squad announcements and public conversations.

"It’s directly post the end of the season, straight into a really long travel trip with a really quick turnaround directly before a qualifier.

“So yeah, it poses a real challenge for the player and for us as well. If it happens, we will have to manage it and best prepare for it if she is involved."