Republic of Ireland boss Gleeson relishing Wales showdown

A smiling Eileen Gleeson during Thursday's squad training session in Dublin

Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson expects an "evenly matched tie" against Wales in the Euro 2025 play-off first leg on Friday night.

The Cardiff City Stadium encounter comes eight months after Wales defeated her side 2-0 in a friendly.

"What we learned was about ourselves in that game - it was a friendly game, both teams using other players, different squads," said Gleeson. "I don't think we learned anything that we didn’t know.

"What I do know is wer'e a different team to what we were in February. Wales are also a different. You're never the same team twice. And for us, it highlights to us the quality Wales have. I do think it will be an evenly matched tie and we're looking forward to that."

Gleeson will be without Aoife Mannion for the first leg with the defender ruled out with a muscle injury.

The Republic of Ireland beat Scotland in a World Cup play-off two years ago, while the Welsh are aiming to qualify for a major tournament for the first time.

Irish defender Denise O'Sullivan had a debut to remember against Wales in 2011 as the midfielder netted a double in a 2–0 win in a Euro qualifier in Newport.

She hoped to get another positive result to bring back for the second leg in Dublin on Tuesday night.

"No matter what happens, we still have that second leg at home and we'll have that home crowd behind us," added O'Sullivan. "That's the only thing I'm thinking about, full focus is on Friday night now.

"We know it's a lot of pressure but I think we're more prepared than ever and we can handle that. I think the only conversations we're having is how excited we are, how prepared we are for this game against Wales. We're all looking forward to it."