Republic of Ireland attitude 'first-class' - Ward

Carla Ward gives instructions during squad training in Dublin

Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward has praised the mental attitude of the squad before her first game in charge on Friday night against Turkey.

The former Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Birmingham City boss succeeded Eileen Gleeson in the post last month.

Tallaght Stadium in Dublin will host the Uefa Nations League opener with the Republic of Ireland back in action after the Euro 2025 play-offs defeat by Wales in December.

"They've been top-drawer," said the Isle of Wight-born Ward on Thursday.

"I've been saying to them this morning that the application, the attitude from every single one of them this week has been first-class."

Liverpool forward Leanne Kiernan will miss the game because of a calf injury but could possibly return for Tuesday's away encounter against Slovenia.

Ward, who brought in former Republic of Ireland men's international Alan Mahon as her assistant, laid out her footballing philosophy.

"A very clear way of playing - I'd like to think we've been very clear in what we want from everybody. Me and Alan, you've probably seen already, we like energy, we like personality.

"I think we want to see that in players, give them a little bit of freedom to go express themselves, I think you'll see that. We'll see after the game but I'd like to think you will see that."

Katie McCabe is set to captain Republic of Ireland for the 65th time on Friday night

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe says the departures of Gleeson and assistant coach Colin Healy came as a surprise.

Gleeson and Healy did not have their contracts renewed after the the Euro 2025 play-offs defeat.

Gleeson was initially appointed on an interim basis in August 2023 to replace Vera Pauw before becoming permanent boss four months later.

"From our point of view, given the news that obviously Eileen and Colin weren't going to continue on, it was a shock," said Arsenal star McCabe.

"A lot of the girls were surprised by it, more so from the point of how well we got on and the spirit they had for us, the connection and the good environment they created. I want to say a big thanks to Eileen and Colin for everything they've done."

McCabe, who will lead the team out against a Turkey side sitting 60th in the world standings and 35 places below the Irish, believes it is now time to focus on the future.

"We've had some really amazing moments. Unfortunately for us we didn't qualify for the Euros and the FAI [Football Association of Ireland] made a decision off the back of that so for us as players now we need to look forward.

"We need to start looking towards how we're going to qualify for World Cup in 2027. That starts tomorrow night with our new manager in place."