Katie McCabe: 'My teammates and I are all in the same position - we all have qualifiers post the Australian trip'
Ireland captain Katie McCabe says she’ll partake in Arsenal’s controversial end-of-season trip to Australia if the club require her involvement.
Her international boss Eileen Gleeson echoed concerns raised by England counterpart Sarina Wiegman about the timing of the trek, coming just before the summer double-header of Euro qualifiers.
McCabe is due to accompany her fellow internationals by travelling Down Under for an exhibition match against Allstars team in Melbourne on May 24.
Ireland then face Sweden in back-to-back qualifiers on May 31 and June 4.
They meet England first tomorrow night – a maiden qualifier at Lansdowne Road – and the Gunners playmaker was asked for her take on the assignment at this morning’s pre-match press conference.
“I’ve no idea,” she said about confirmation of her participation.
“Arsenal have committed to a trip Down Under in Melbourne and as far as I know, nothing has been set in stone yet in terms of squad and stuff. My full focus is on tomorrow, it’s a long way away.
“Look, my teammates and I are all in the same position - we all have qualifiers post the Australian trip.
“I’m an Arsenal player, I’m contracted to play for Arsenal and of course if they need to play, then I’ll be playing for them.”
Even before last month’s draw pitted Ireland against the Auld Enemy for the first matches since 1987, McCabe was downplaying the rivalry.
She will likely face several colleagues tomorrow, including Leah Williamson – who Sarina Wiegman confirmed will return to the team after injury - and Euros player of the tournament, Beth Mead.
“It’s just another game for us, it’s just another step in our journey in qualification for the Euros,” the Dubliner insists, after Ireland lost their opener 1-0
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