Katie McCabe calls for more urgency from Girls in Green for sold-out play-off second leg

Macdara Ferris reports from Tallaght Stadium

Coming into the second leg of the EURO2025 play-off with a 6-0 lead against Georgia should make it a straightforward occasion for the Republic of Ireland in Tallaght on Tuesday evening. For Ireland skipper Katie McCabe, it is a match she is very much looking forward to, particularly with how her club season has gone so far with the Gunners.

“Yeah, look, it has not been a great start to the season from our point of view and obviously with the manager leaving,” said McCabe speaking about the departure of Jonas Eidevall as Arsenal manager.

“We had some fantastic times under Jonas in the past and for me coming into Ireland camp, I am always excited to come in, regardless of the situation. It’s always exciting coming back in, especially from a play-off point of view and that is what I have been looking forward to.”

It took till the 37th minute for Ireland to break down the Georgian low block in Tbilisi in last Friday’s first leg – with McCabe opening the scoring from the penalty spot - so the Girls in Green will be looking to kill the match off early at a sold out Tallaght Stadium.

“Look, I think from our point of view, we want to start the game tomorrow how we finished it (on Friday) which was a lot more controlled and patient. We connected our play a lot better in the second half, and had a bit more urgency about us, and clinical as well in the second half. For us that’s how we want to start the game. (It is a ) sold out crowd as well, so a lot of atmosphere as well from the fans. 

“Georgia, they sat in a five as well, so just kind of had to figure how best to connect the play going forward and made some tactical changes at half time from the management and yeah I think we produced a lot of better in the second half.”

Up next will be the decisive play-off final against either Slovakia or Wales. The Slovakians hold a 2-1 lead going into the second leg in the Cardiff City Stadium. 

“We're in a good place as a team, we're fully focused on tomorrow night and we'll see what happens then after that. As long as we are consistently doing the right things, consistently showing good structure in how we score goals, that gives me confidence into what may be the next round of the playoffs.”