McCabe takes Ireland captain’s armband

KATIE McCabe has been named as new Women’s National Team captain following the retirement of Emma Byrne.

The Kilnamanagh player will now lead the team into the 2019 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, assisted by defender Diane Caldwell as vice-captain.

That qualification quest kicks off in September with a match against Northern Ireland.

While she is contracted to Arsenal Ladies, McCabe has recently gone on loan to Scottish side Glasgow City FC in order to get more game-time.

Delighted to be taking on the captain’s armband McCabe said “It’s a huge honour to have been selected to be captain of the national team.

“It’s a huge moment for me personally but also my family who have always supported me on my football journey.

“I’d like to also thank Emma Byrne for her guidance and leadership as captain over the last few years, and I hope I can fill her boots for the team.

“I can’t wait to lead out the team in the upcoming World Cup qualifier and hopefully lead the Republic of Ireland WNT to their first major Championships.

“I’d like to thank Head Coach Colin Bell for the faith he has shown in me and I’ll be looking to repay that faith over the years.”

Certainly manager Bell is confident in McCabe’s leadership abilities saying “”On the pitch, she is one of the best players in the team and already leads from the front with her excellent ability and performances, which we’ve seen already this year.

“Off the pitch, I want to see her grow into the role of captain and lead the team forward.

“It’s an important role and I believe she has all the right attributes to push this team forward as we head into the 2019 World Cup qualification campaign.

“She’s a great character who all the players respond to and I know the rest of the squad will be right behind her as she steps into the captain’s role” he insisted.