'It's a very sacred thing' but Katie McCabe wants positive result to mark 100th Ireland appearance

The 30-year-old will become the eight female centurion when she leads the time into battle against the Belgians, following Emma Byrne, Ciara Grant, Áine O'Gorman, Diane Caldwell, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn and Denise O’Sullivan into an exalted club.

ON THE BALL: Katie McCabe during a Republic of Ireland women training session at The King Power at Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven, Belgium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

On the eve of her 100th cap, Katie McCabe admits Friday’s epic win will be forgotten if the Ireland team she captains blows their lead in Belgium.

Ireland take a 4-2 first-leg buffer to Leuven for a tie that will influence the route to potential back-to-back World Cup appearances in 2027.