'They were cheap shots more than anything' - Katie McCabe embraces Welsh tension for playoff
TENSION: Katie McCabe during her press conference. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Tuesday’s Celtic derby for a ticket to next summer’s Women’s Euros finals is boiling into a battle with Katie McCabe admitting Ireland will be ready for more Welsh ‘cheap shots’.
Rhian Wilkinson has emphasised the physical aspect of Ireland – summarised by their distinct style – since Friday’s first leg 1-1 draw in Cardiff.
A spat between two experienced campaigners, Ireland’s Ruesha Littlejohn and Welsh legend Jess Fishlock, underlined a degree of needle between a group of players who have, or do, play alongside, or, against each other.
As the seeded team, Ireland have home advantage for the second leg at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday night (7.30pm). Extra-time and penalties will be contested if the nations remain deadlocked in pursuit of their first-ever appearance at the Euros.
“They were cheap shots more than anything,” said Arsenal regular McCabe when asked about the Welsh aggression.
“I don’t mind going toe-to-toe with someone in a tackle but ones off the ball I’m like, ‘Come on…’
“Look, whatever game they want to play, we’ll be prepared for it tomorrow. We know what we have to do tomorrow – what’s on the line and what’s at stake. We’ll be ready to leave it all out there tomorrow."
McCabe has been before – pivotal to the successful World Cup tilt of two years ago when they overcame Scotland in the playoff – and is urging the newcomers to seize the moment.
She said: "It’s good to have those nerves and we’re absolutely together. We know the magnitude of the game but we need to focus on what we can control. That's our game-plan and our work ethic - with 25,000cheering us on.
"When we’re pushing up the pitch, we’ve heard it in the games against England and Sweden, even France in Cork, the push and energy that is gives you to go forward and put your body on the line for your country.
"I know every single one of my team-mates want to do that tomorrow night. It’s kind of a non-negotiable to show that passion for your country and I know my team-mates have that in abundance."
Both managers reported clean bills of health in the aftermath of Friday’s sometimes bruising encounter but some tweaks are anticipated, especially for an Irish team cheered on by 25,000 fans.
Wilkinson deepened the mental gymnastics by switching the spotlight to Ireland.
“I think it’s beholden to the coach of the home nation to talk about the massive advantage of having a home crowd,” the Canadian said about Eileen Gleeson declaring Ireland as slight favourites at the midway mark.
“Equally there is a huge pressure on you at home with a home crowd, just trying to get behind their team.
“And that is a pressure that’s on them. You love playing at home in front of your fans, but equally we’re excited to be here.
“This is a fabulous stadium. It will be a great team stepping out for Ireland but the pressure will be on them. Which is always a good thing for me and our team.”
Gleeson remained consistent in straight-batting any barbs from the opposition camp.
“Respectfully, I don’t really care what Rhian is saying,” said the Ireland boss.
“To be honest, the only time that I hear what Rhian says is when I come in here (press conferences).
“I am not giving it any thought. Whatever Rhian wants to say is up to her. We are focusing on ourselves and what we have to do, that’s all I have to say.”
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