The Republic of Ireland will be looking to secure another commanding victory against Kazakhstan at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the second leg of their FIFA Women's World Cup play-off.

Ireland recorded an emphatic 8-0 win in the first leg in Astana, all but guaranteeing their place in the final round of the play-offs against either Belgium or Poland.

Head coach Carla Ward has stressed she still expects a high-level performance before heading into those crucial fixtures in November/December, confirming that both Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan will start at Páirc Uí Chaoimh tomorrow night.

Match Details
Fixture: Republic of Ireland v Kazakhstan
Date: Tuesday, October 13
Competition: FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying Play-off Round One, Second Leg
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Location: Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork
TV: RTÉ2 / RTÉ Player
Tickets: Available here

Team News

Carla Ward has confirmed a fully fit squad to choose from, with Katie McCabe, Denise O'Sullivan and Marissa Sheva all returning after missing the first leg through suspension (McCabe and Sheva) and load management (O'Sullivan).

With all options now available and so many standout performances in Astana, both from the starters and off the bench, it presents a welcome selection headache for the coaching staff.

Match Officials

Referee: Michaela Pachtová (CZE)
Assistant Referee 1: Isabella van Gilst (NED)
Assistant Referee 2: Zuzana Špindlerova (CZE)
Fourth Official: Tjaša Misja (SVN)
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Očenáš (SVK)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jana Adámková (CZE)

Press Conference | Head Coach Carla Ward

Ward on Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan Starting: "We're going to try and step up again. We want to be front-footed, we want to be better. Those two are arguably two of probably Ireland's greatest-ever players, so why wouldn't they go right back in? Denise and Katie start. Why wouldn't they start? Two of Ireland's greatest—why wouldn't they? They could go into any team in the world, those two. So if they're fit and available, they play. She wants to play for her country, but we have to look after her as well, because Denise would play every minute of every game and train every minute and more if she could."

Ward on Raising Standards and Team Mindset: "It makes me feel like going up another level, because we've got to look ahead, and we've got to be better all the time. It's as simple as that. We're at the business end of the competition; we can't be taking anything for granted. I don't think you can take your foot off the gas—the foot firmly has to go on the gas. That's as clear as I've been, and it's as clear as the players want to be. We all have the same mindset: we want to be better all the time. So it's about how do we improve? How do we go again and be better than we were on Friday night?"

Press Conference | Midfielder Denise O'Sullivan

O'Sullivan on Returning to Play in Cork: "I'm excited to be back in Cork. It's a very special place for me to play, and it's a big game regardless. It's an opportunity for us to build on the momentum going into November. I'm very excited and looking to go out and put on a great performance. I'm urging everyone to come out and watch tomorrow night as well. It's amazing, yeah. I can't really describe how much I love playing here. It's really, really special with my family being here, a lot of people that I've obviously grown up with, and who have supported me. The whole of Cork has supported me throughout my career—in particular, people who always come down and watch the games. It's great to be back here. Everyone in the team absolutely loves playing in Cork; there's a really good atmosphere, and the fans come out and don't stop for a minute from minute one to ninety. I'm really looking forward to it."

O'Sullivan on Preparation, Professionalism, and Camp Focus: "Of course, it's great to hear that from Carla, but you know I'm a very professional player. I'll always back the team no matter what. I'm a team player at the end of the day, and I really love this team. I think everyone knows me by now—the only thing on my mind is the game when I'm in camp. They're fully aware that I got to see my family for a few days before this, so that was the time spent with them. The minute I got into camp with the girls and the staff, it was all focused on this game. No extra pressure; I'm just excited and looking forward to it. It's a big opportunity, and it's very special for me to be back here."

Republic of Ireland Squad - Kazakhstan

GOALKEEPERS
Name | Age | Club | Caps | Clean Sheets
Courtney Brosnan | 30 | Everton | 58 | 21
Grace Moloney | 33 | Southampton | 9 | 2
Sophie Whitehouse | 29 | Charlton Athletic | 1 | 0

DEFENDERS
Name | Age | Club | Caps | Goals
Heather Payne | 26 | Leicester City | 51 | 2
Aoife Mannion | 31 | Newcastle United | 26 | 1
Anna Patten | 27 | Aston Villa | 27 | 3
Caitlin Hayes | 31 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 34 | 2
Jessie Stapleton | 21 | Leicester City | 21 | 3
Hayley Nolan | 29 | Crystal Palace | 6 | 0
Megan Connolly | 29 | Lazio | 71 | 4
Chloe Mustaki | 31 | Nottingham Forest | 20 | 0
Katie McCabe | 31 | Chelsea | 107 | 34

MIDFIELDERS
Name | Age | Club | Caps | Goals
Denise O'Sullivan | 32 | Gotham FC | 132 | 22
Tyler Toland | 25 | Burnley | 28 | 1
Marissa Sheva | 29 | Sunderland | 26 | 5
Jamie Finn | 28 | Burnley | 23 | 1
Shanade Hopcroft | 29 | Crystal Palace | 1 | 1
Lucy Quinn | 33 | Sheffield United | 34 | 5
Aoibheann Clancy | 22 | Watford | 1 | 0

ATTACKERS
Name | Age | Club | Caps | Goals
Kyra Carusa | 30 | HB Køge | 47 | 15
Amber Barrett | 30 | Strasbourg | 61 | 10
Abbie Larkin | 21 | Crystal Palace | 38 | 5
Leanne Kiernan | 27 | Newcastle United | 45 | 5
Emily Murphy | 23 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 19 | 3

FIFA Women's World Cup Play-offs - Fixture/Result

09/10 | Kazakhstan 0-8 Republic of Ireland, Astana Arena
13/10 | Republic of Ireland v Kazakhstan, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 7.30pm