Ireland’s World Cup play-off campaign begins with a major selection challenge after Carla Ward confirmed that Denise O’Sullivan will not travel to Kazakhstan for the opening leg. The Republic of Ireland will also be without suspended captain Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva in Astana, leaving the Ireland women’s team to find solutions without three important players.
Ireland squad named for Kazakhstan World Cup play-off
Ward has selected a 25-player squad for the first-round play-off, with Ireland preparing for a difficult away assignment on Friday, October 9. Kick-off is scheduled for 12pm Irish time, with the match live on RTÉ 2.
Ireland are ranked 21st in the world, while Kazakhstan sit 100th, making the visitors clear favourites on paper. However, the long journey to Astana and the artificial playing surface will test Ward’s team, particularly with several senior figures unavailable.
Why Denise O’Sullivan will miss the first leg
O’Sullivan wanted to be involved, but Ward decided that managing the midfielder’s workload was the responsible choice as she continues her return from injury.
Ward explained that O’Sullivan has played a considerable number of minutes and that the combination of travel and an artificial pitch created additional concerns. The priority is to have the experienced midfielder ready for the return fixture in Cork.
It is a significant call. O’Sullivan remains one of the most influential players in Irish football, but Ward’s decision reflects the importance of protecting the player over two legs rather than taking an unnecessary risk in the opening match.
McCabe and Sheva suspended
McCabe and Sheva will miss the Astana tie after accumulating yellow cards. McCabe’s absence is particularly notable given her leadership and ability to influence matches from defence or midfield.
Ward, however, remains confident in the depth of her group. She believes every player understands their role and is ready to contribute when called upon. That mentality will be crucial as Ireland seek a positive result before the return meeting at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday, October 13.
Shanade Hopcroft earns first Ireland call-up
The midfield absences have opened the door for Crystal Palace player Shanade Hopcroft to receive her first senior Ireland call-up. Born in England, Hopcroft qualifies through her grandmother, who comes from Tubbercurry in County Sligo.
Ward has monitored the midfielder for several seasons and highlighted her Women’s Super League experience, energy and competitive style. Hopcroft has played every minute of the WSL season so far and offers another option in the centre of the pitch.
Her arrival gives Ireland fresh energy in an area affected by the unavailability of O’Sullivan and Sheva. It also provides an opportunity for a new player to make an immediate impression on the international stage.
Experienced players also absent
Saoirse Noonan and Tara O’Hanlon were unavailable because of ankle and hamstring injuries respectively. Ruesha Littlejohn has also not been selected while she remains without a club.
Ward stressed that the door remains open to Littlejohn, praising her leadership, professionalism and influence around the squad. The Ireland manager said the midfielder’s value extends beyond what she produces during matches, particularly when helping younger players settle into the international environment.
New assistant coach joins Ward’s staff
Brian Sorensen has been appointed as an assistant coach following Gary Cronin’s departure. Ward said Sorensen had been on her radar for some time and matched the requirements for a high-performance environment working with elite female athletes.
He will work alongside Amber Whiteley during the next few international windows, with the coaching structure due to be reviewed at the end of the year. The appointment adds another layer of experience as Ireland prepare for an important period in their World Cup qualification journey.
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What Ireland must get right in Astana
The task is not simply about overcoming Kazakhstan’s lower ranking. Ireland must manage the travel, adapt quickly to the artificial surface and avoid allowing the absences of key players to disrupt their structure.
- Control the midfield without O’Sullivan and Sheva.
- Use the wide areas effectively in McCabe’s absence.
- Maintain concentration during the opening stages.
- Secure a result that gives Ireland momentum for the Cork return leg.
Ward’s squad includes a blend of established international players and emerging talent. The likes of Courtney Brosnan, Caitlin Hayes, Megan Connolly, Kyra Carusa and Leanne Kiernan will be expected to provide experience, while Hopcroft and other younger players may be asked to take on increased responsibility.
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The next step for Ireland
Ireland remain favourites to progress, but the first leg could prove more demanding than the rankings suggest. Ward’s decision to protect O’Sullivan underlines the bigger objective: reaching the next stage while keeping the squad healthy for the decisive home fixture.
The outcome in Astana will set the tone for the tie. Ireland will want a composed performance, a clean bill of health and a result that puts the pressure back on Kazakhstan before the teams meet in Cork.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
