Carla Ward confident Ireland will get jobe done 'professionally' against Kazakhstan

Head coach Carla Ward during a Republic of Ireland women training session at Astana Arena in Kazakhstan. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Astana’s artificial pitch will provide slippery underfoot conditions for Ireland to avoid a banana skin against Kazakhstan.

Only a convincing first-leg win for the visitors will reflect the 77 places between the nations in ranking, a clear sign of the chasm of class between the semi-final opponents.

Captain Katie McCabe, along with fellow banned player Marissa Sheva and Denise O’Sullivan, will return for the second leg in Pairc Uí Chaoimh. 

Winger Jess Zui was a late withdrawal through injury. By that time, the expectation of Ireland progressing to the final against either Belgium or Poland in late November should be a formality.

“These players love to give me a headache, which is always good for a manager,” said Carla Ward, the Ireland manager.

“This is a World Cup play-off. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, whether it’s Kazakhstan, France, Brazil, or the Netherlands. This is the business end of it. We prepare for them exactly as we would prepare for anyone else."

Kazakhstan qualified for the playoffs by finishing second in League C, two tiers beneath Ireland’s league of League A.

Crystal Palace midfielder Shanade Hopcroft could make her debut against Kazakhstan. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

“They have threats on the transition and they are very direct,” she said of the opposition.

“They look to go in behind quite early, so we have to be prepared for that.

“I think we have to prepare for every game as if we’re playing the best in the world, and this is no different. We’ve got to get the job done professionally and with full focus. I have absolute confidence in this group that we will."

Ward could hand a debut to Shanade Hopcroft, the recently declared Crystal Palace midfielder.

"It's only been a couple of sessions, but she’s looked good. She's tidy, and she is someone I think will add good value to the squad.

“She’s been a good addition. She’s been knocking on the door for a few years, hasn't she? I think Vera [Pauw] looked at her, and she’s been knocking on my door for over a year, but it had to be the right time. Now, it’s an opportunity for her."

Ward will be selective of her team, mindful of the terrain. Some players are more susceptible to muscle injuries to others on the all-weather pitch.

“There’ll be some players in new positions but these players step up wherever asked. They want to play for their country and want to learn all the time. Whoever goes in there, I have full belief and confidence they will get the job done."