Carla Ward: It is difficult to replace Denise. I would put her in any team

Denise O'Sullivan will miss Ireland's clash with the Netherlands of Saturday after a knee issue flared up. However, there are no concerns about Katie McCabe's fitness

DIFFERENCE MAKER: Carla Ward: "I say it all the time that Denise is world class, she really is, and she makes a huge difference for what we do." Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Ireland will be able to cope without injured midfield dynamo Denise O’Sullivan for Saturday’s visit to Netherlands in Utrecht, according to manager Carla Ward.

The Corkwoman didn’t travel with the squad after the knee injury she’s been carrying lately flared up early in Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to France.