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Eileen Gleeson admits ‘real challenge’ of Katie McCabe’s potential Australia trip before Euro 2025 qualifiers
English coach Sarina Wiegman also raised concerns about the trip her Arsenal stars could be making
IRELAND manager Eileen Gleeson admitted Katie McCabe’s potential Australia trip with Arsenal is “far from ideal.”
Gleeson today named her squad for the Euro 2025 qualifiers with France and England next month as the quest to make the finals in Switzerland begins.
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But the Girls in Green gaffer is already aware of the potential issue ahead of the double header with Sweden this summer, with Arsenal - including skipper Katie McCabe - heading to Australia for an end of season tour.
The Gunners face an A League All Stars selection in Melbourne on Friday May 24, just a week before Ireland host Sweden at the Aviva Stadium with McCabe facing a potential 33,000 kilometre round trip ahead of two big internationals.
England coach Sarina Wiegman has also raised concerns about Arsenal’s English players making the trip, and Gleeson acknowledged it is a challenge for her too.
She said: “I mean it’s far from ideal. Sarina Wiegman and other coaches have mentioned it in their squad announcements and public conversations.
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“It’s a long travel trip with a quick turnaround so 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.
“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.
“We haven’t spoken to Arsenal yet. We have it obviously factored into our planning processes if she is in it.
“But we have to wait and have that conversation with the club whether she will or won’t be involved in that.”
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While Gleeson looked ahead of May, her main focus is on next week’s get together ahead of the visit to Metz to face France on Friday week and England at the Aviva Stadium the following Tuesday.
Aston Villa defender Anna Patten has been called up for the first time having previously represented England at underage level, with FIFA currently processing her paperwork.
Ruesha Littlejohn and Lucy Quinn issue cheeky Katie McCabe verdict over Ireland games trend
Gleeson said: “We’ve been chatting with Anna on an ongoing basis. She qualifies through family and we’re undergoing the eligibility process.
“Anna would be a great addition to the squad, playing at a really high level. Top five league in the world.
“And she can be a great addition to our back-line. Strong, competitive. Good pathway through her youth with Arsenal and then into Aston Villa.
“So she can bring a lot of good characteristics to our team.”
Gleeson also welcomed back Denise O’Sullivan and Tyler Toland after their pair missed the 0-0 draw with Italy and 2-0 loss to Wales last month through injury.
But injury has ruled out Sinead Farrelly, Tara O’Hanlon and Jamie Finn, while Liverpool defender Niamh Fahey is included though she is doubtful with a calf problem.
Gleeson said: “Niamh has been receiving some medical scans on the calf. We’re in constant touch with the club.
“We have decided to bring her in and assess her in with us and see whether it is a longer-term view to the second game against England.
“At the moment we have her in the squad and we can update further then once we get to have that assessment. But yeah the conversations are ongoing with the club.”
VENUE DOUBT
Meanwhile, Gleeson said a venue for the July 16 qualify with France has yet to be decided with the Aviva Stadium unavailable, and Shamrock Rovers potentially in European action in Tallaght at the same time.
The GAA agreed to open up Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork and Croke Park in Dublin for use for by rugby and football this summer, but Gleeson insisted no decision has been made yet.
She said: “Still a lot of negotiations going on or chats going on around the availability of Tallaght Stadium. I don't really have any updates on that, just that it's undecided yet.
“I’m not involved in those conversations right now but I’m sure all options that are available will be considered.
“That’s as much as I know about it now but the more options that we have the better, and I’m sure all viable options will be considered.”
THE SQUAD
Squad: Brosnan (Everton), Moloney (London City Lionesses), Whitehouse (Lewes), Stapleton (Reading), Caldwell (FC Zurich), Quinn (Birmingham City), Fahey (Liverpool), Mannion (Manchester United).
Hayes (Celtic), Patten (Aston Villa), Campbell (London City Lionesses), McCabe (Arsenal), O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Connolly (Bristol City), Littlejohn (London City Lionesses).
Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Agg (Birmingham City), Payne (Everton), Ziu (West Ham United), Quinn (Birmingham City), Atkinson (Crystal Palace), Carusa (San Diego Wave).
Larkin (Crystal Palace), Barrett (Standard Liege), Kiernan (Liverpool), Murphy (Wake Forest University).