Soccer

Ireland Women’s U19s take on England

Striker Katie McCabe confident going into Women’s European Championship tie in Oslo

Raheny United striker Katie McCabe (right) is is quietly confident the Ireland women’s U19 side can get the better of England in tonight’s European Championship game in Oslo. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Raheny United striker Katie McCabe (right) is is quietly confident the Ireland women’s U19 side can get the better of England in tonight’s European Championship game in Oslo. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
John Fallon
Fri Jul 18 2014 - 01:00

Having opened their campaign by beating one of the pre-tournament favourites on Tuesday, Republic of Ireland striker Katie McCabe believes another victory is achievable when they face England tonight in their Uefa U19 Women's European Championship tie.

The Raheny United player, sister of Shamrock Rovers attacker Gary, showed similar determination to her strike partner Clare Shine by also recovering from a broken leg earlier in the year, is quietly confident of completing the mission tonight.

‘Out to beat us’

“England will be out to beat us, but we go into every game thinking we’ll win it,” said the 18-year-old.

"We were the eight seed of the eight teams here but showed against Spain what we're capable of. Our manager Dave Connell has us prepared well for England too."

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England striker Claudia Walker is wary of Ireland’s challenge. The Liverpool recruit said: “It’s a game both teams will have that extra bit of drive for, and Ireland are on a high after beating Spain.

“I’ve heard how the Irish girls are looking forward to Friday and we’re no different. We know a handful of them through our clubs so it will be a memorable game.”

Connell will have defender Keeva Keenan available after she missed the first game through injury, while striker Sarah Rowe is nursing a foot injury but should be fit.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (probable): Dunne (Peamount United); Wright (Texas University), McCarthy (Listowel Celtic), O'Connell (Wilton), Mustaki (Peamount United); Dwyer (Wexford Youths); O'Connor (Wilton), Connolly (College Corinthians); McCabe (Raheny United), Shine (Raheny United), Rowe (Castlebar Celtic).