Republic of Ireland Women's National Team Assistant Head Coach Gary Cronin insists the team will not change its approach as they prepare for a vital FIFA Women's World Cup European Qualifiers double-header against Poland.

Having been appointed to Carla Ward’s backroom team in January, this is Cronin's second camp with the senior squad. He and the team are now fully focused on the upcoming fixtures, which see Ireland travel to Gdansk on Tuesday, April 14, before hosting Poland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, April 18.

After encouraging performances against top-ten sides France and the Netherlands in the last window, Cronin is adamant that Ireland must maintain their own identity and build on the positives from those games.

“We don't want to change who we are when we go into these games against Poland,” Cronin stated. “We have to keep saying that we're playing a top side. They have really, really top-quality players, particularly in attacking areas, and we will be fully focused. The girls know exactly what they need to do.

“From our point of view, we just want to make sure that we continue doing what we're really, really good at. Ultimately, the preparation we did for France and the Dutch will be quite similar. We have to be who we are.”

Cronin highlighted Poland's recent success, which saw them qualify for their first-ever European Championships in 2025, as a sign of their quality and ambition.

“They're fresh from their first ever championship, so they'll be hungry to repeat that and get to another major tournament. We've watched a lot of Poland, and there's definitely an aggression in the way they press, but we'll have a plan for that.”

Reflecting on his first few months in the role, Cronin explained how the embedded tactical work from the previous camp allows the coaching staff to maximise their limited time with the players on the training pitch.

“A lot of the work done on the pitch in the last camp can carry over; a lot of the ideas are embedded into the players, which is good,” he said. “One thing I'm learning with international football is that you have to manage your time really, really well. Unlike club football, you don't have every day training.

“Myself, Carla, and the analysts work really closely in between camps to make sure that we're prepared for that. The advantage in this window is that we're analysing one team, playing them home and away, whereas in other camps you are managing two different teams. We will be well prepped for Poland.”

Cronin also spoke glowingly of his experience working with the senior international players for the first time.

“It's a real privilege actually working with the girls. This level has been fantastic. I'm building a really good, strong relationship with the staff and the group, and that will grow on, camp by camp.”

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE