On Sunday, Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe featured against Belgium, making it 50 senior caps in total for the versatile player since making her debut for her nation back in March 2015.
McCabe has been a key figure in Arsenal’s recent successes in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League, having joined The Gunners in the same year that she collected her first cap for the Republic of Ireland and she has managed to carry this consistency throughout years with her country.
The 25-year-old was given the Republic of Ireland captaincy four years ago and she is still relishing the role that she has on the international stage.
“I cannot describe the pride that I have in representing my country,” McCabe told FAI media sources after collecting her 50th senior cap. “It is something that I will never take for granted.”
The desire that McCabe possesses has been a real stand out factor when representing both club and country, she has continued to push herself on to new levels. Being awarded the captain’s armband at the age of just 21 by former national team coach Colin Bell undoubtedly gave the player a real head start towards a stellar career.
“Even though 50 caps is a significant milestone, I feel like I have so much more to give to the Ireland senior team,” said McCabe.
“I have to thank all the people who helped me reach this point, the different managers and all the backroom staff through the years.”
The international window has seen the Republic of Ireland fall short against Denmark and Belgium in friendlies but all eyes will soon be on the qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 which will get underway in September.
The draw for these qualifiers takes place at the end of April and McCabe is eager to lead her side onto something that no other Irish side has been able to accomplish.
“We will continue with our preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” McCabe added. “That is something that really motivates me because being part of the first Ireland team to qualify for a major tournament is the dream that I want to achieve more than anything else.”
McCabe will now return to Arsenal where she will hope to help the club secure European qualification and progress in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup before her attentions soon turn to a potentially pivotal qualifying campaign for a promising Republic of Ireland outfit.
Article author: Joe Heaton