Republic of Ireland v Turkey: All you need to know
UEFA Women's Nations League 2025
Republic of Ireland v Turkey, Tallaght Stadium, Friday, 7.30pm.
TV/PLAYER
Watch live build-up and coverage of the match on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player from 7pm.
RADIO
Listen to live commentary with an extended Game On programme on 2fm.
ONLINE
Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.
WEATHER
Mild for this time of year, with temperatures of around 11c, under clear skies. Showers are forecast for earlier in the day, making for a fast playing surface.
A new era begins
Carla Ward takes charge of the Republic of Ireland for the first time as her team looks to start their Nations League campaign with a home win over Turkey.
Former Aston Villa head coach Ward has named a squad of few surprises. Charlton's Melisa Filis is the only new face in the squad, qualifying to play for Ireland through her Mayo-born mother.
With veterans Julie-Ann Russell, Diane Caldwell and Niamh Fahey all announcing their retirement following Ireland's defeat to Wales in their Euro 2025 play-off final, there's an opportunity for younger players to stake a claim. The likes of Jessie Stapleton, Tyler Toland and Emily Murphy will all be hoping to make a mark.
Much of the focus will be on Ward's tactical set-up and approach, with the new Ireland boss promising an attacking system where players will have "a little bit of freedom to go express themselves."
Ward has spoken of her need of energy and aggression from her players, something that should suit Kate McCabe down to the ground. Indeed the new Ireland boss has hinted that she may have more advanced role for McCabe, with the Arsenal midfielder "being utilised in a different way."
Up front Liverpool attacker Leanne Kiernan has been ruled of the game with a calf injury, but remains with the squad in the hope that she'll be fit for Tuesday's trip to Slovenia.
Old foes, now on the same team
Skipper hoping to thrive under an old foe
Ireland captain Katie McCabe has come up against Ward before, with her Arsenal side more often than not getting the better of the new manager in the WSL.
"I know Carla a long time now, a couple of years having played against her," said McCabe who seems to be just about forgiven by Ward for scoring a last-minute goal to spur a comeback from the Gunners against Villa in 2023.
With Ward's coaching staff of Alan Mahon and Amber Whiteley also getting settled into their new roles, it's a learning experience for both staff and players and it's one that McCabe is relishing.
"Obviously having played against Carla's teams, we’ve always found them very difficult to break down," she said. "The resilience Carla has within her set-ups, to now learning and working together, as well as 'Mahony' and Amber, it’s been really good and really good insight to understand their way of playing.
"It’s challenging, but for us, we’re looking forward to the challenge in how to set up and play a different playing style."
McCabe insists that the players have now moved on from their play-off disappointment and while she was spoke highly of both Gleeson and Colin Healy, she's ready for the next chapter in an Ireland shrt.
"I think we've dealt with it initially as a team and as individuals when we got the news back in December. There’s been so much gone on in between that," she said.
"Obviously when we’re coming into camp our full focus is on what we’re doing here and we don’t really pay attention to what’s going (on) outside of that. Everyone has their own opinions on what happened and we need to respect that for sure, but ultimately our full focus is on tomorrow night."
Turkish boss Necla Gungor Kiragasi (C) leads a training session
Turkey looking to make a statement
Much like Ireland, Turkey come into this campaign looking to shake off the disappointment of Euro 2025 play-off defeat.
A 1-1 home draw with Ukraine in the first-leg gave them hope of being involved in the tournament in Switzerland this summer but they were well beaten in the second-leg, losing 2-0, ending their hopes of qualifying for a first major tournament.
Head coach Necla Gungor Kiragasi, who has been in charge since 2020 has overseen gradual, but consistent improvement and they currently sit 60th in the FIFA rankings - well bellow Ireland in 25th.
Kiragasi is looking for a statement result in Tallaght as she chases her long-term goal of qualifying for a major tournament.
"Playing Ireland on their turf presents both an advantage and a challenge," she said.
"We're used to rising to the occasion against top teams early on. Ireland is a powerhouse - athletic, aggressive and physical. But we have technical skill and tactical discipline. We’ll stick to our plan and fight hard for a result.
"My first dream is to lead this team to the European Championship and we've made incredible strides, but there’s more to do. The Nations League is our chance to gain experience, sharpen our identity and continue pushing forward.
"We have the tools to compete. It's all about executing our game plan and seizing the moment."
Watch Republic of Ireland v Turkey in the UEFA Women's Nations League on Friday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live commentary with 2fm’s Game On.
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