Callaghan chasing an all-time high as McCabe threat looms
Northern Ireland veteran Marissa Callaghan, at 38, has witnessed the full gamut of extremes but beating their neighbours would rank among the ultimate highs.
They were the team from Ireland to first sample major tournament life by reaching the last Euros in England but the sides have diverged since, with the Republic sitting 24 in FIFA rankings, 23 places ahead of their rivals.
Kenny Shiels has been replaced by former Chelsea assistant Tanya Oxtoby and causing a shock in her first outing is the mission on their short trip down the M1.
“For me, international football is a little bit different than club football,” says the Cliftonville stalwart.
“Every time you step out onto the pitch, that pride and passion you feel, you'd be up for every single game whether it's a competition or a friendly.
“For me, again, Tanya has just come in, we've had our first camp and the coaching staff has given us all the tools we need to go out and win this game tomorrow.
“If we win it, that's incredible but we'd still have to focus on Tuesday’s game against Albania.”
When asked to pinpoint the strength within her opponents, she didn’t hesitate to namecheck her fellow captain.
“I think we all know that answer. don’t we?,” she said with a smile. “Katie McCabe is obviously a world-class player. She just got nominated as a top player in the world. She’s outstanding in terms of on and off the pitch. We know she’s going to be a challenge for us tomorrow. We have players here who will try and stop that.” ends
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