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'Pro' McCabe ready to play after Arsenal celebrations - Ward

Katie McCabe is given a guard of honour by her Republic of Ireland team-matesGetty Images

Andy Gray

BBC Sport NI Journalist

Nations League Group B2: Turkey v Republic of Ireland

Venue: Esenler Stadium, Istanbul Date: Friday, 30 May Kick-off: 18:00 BST

Coverage: Follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website

Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward says Katie McCabe is "fit and ready" for Friday's Nations League game in Turkey.

Irish captain McCabe played a key role as Arsenal defeated Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final.

The 29-year-old arrived late into the Republic of Ireland's camp due to the Gunners' celebrations but Ward says she is "a pro" and ready to play.

"You never want anyone to not celebrate such a massive, massive win and important moment in her career," Ward told RTE.

"It was about her enjoying those celebrations but she's a professional, she's fit and she's ready.

"[There's] Maybe a question mark on her calf at the moment, but she's said to me straight away, 'I'm ready, I want to play'. So of course she's available for selection."

Ward added that McCabe was "unbelievable" in the final as Arsenal shocked the Spanish giants for their first European success since 2007.

"Katie's Katie - you know what you're going to get," Ward added.

"She's wholehearted, she's front footed, she's tenacious, she gives you everything. Her overall performance was outstanding but credit to Renee [Slegers, Arsenal manager], the team and all of them involved because it was some achievement."

After a celebration with Arsenal supporters outside the Emirates stadium, McCabe was welcomed back into the Irish camp with a guard of honour by her team-mates in Istanbul.

Ward added: "As soon as Arsenal won that game the talk was, 'how do we welcome them back?'

"It's safe to say Katie was pleased and it was a really positive evening when she came in. We're delighted to have her back and unbelievably proud of what she's achieved."

The Republic of Ireland sit second in Group B3 and Ward says the game in Turkey is "must-win" if they are to earn an automatic return back to League A.

The Irish are three points off Slovenia and face the group leaders in their final game on 3 June.

"Turkey are a good side, and they know if they beat us and beat Greece they can finish second," former Aston Villa boss Ward added.

"Let's be really clear, this is a must-win game. We have to go and get three points.

"We have to make sure we're switched on, we're focused and we get the job done."

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