Captain Katie McCabe enthused by strength of growing Republic of Ireland side

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe feels standards are improving with each round of international fixtures for the Irish team ahead of the visit to Wales to Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday.

Ireland secured a 0-0 draw in Italy last Friday which could have even better if Leanne Kiernan's disallowed goal was not flagged offside.

The visitors had to withstand some late pressure but came away with the draw amid some impressive individual performances.

Kiernan’s return plus Jess Ziu’s performance after almost two years on the sidelines was heartwarming to the Irish captain.

After a strong Nations League showing and the breakthrough of reaching the World Cup, it is the ability of players within the group which is standing out for most for McCabe.

McCabe said: "You see the levels have just gone up a notch each time we come into camp.

"I know we’re missing Denise (O’Sullivan), Sinead (Farrelly) and Tyler (Toland) but the introductions of Jess Ziu for example (shows our strength).

"She’s been out for 17 months and having her back was a real breath of fresh air. We have such young fresh and exciting talent.

"You see Izzy Atkinson getting her first start as well. And Abbie Larkin coming off the bench, Leanne Kiernan too. There are all these names being talked about which is so exciting for me.

"Because you can see the talent they have and now it is just about all of us getting up to the level of performing consistently each time we come in.

"And I feel like we’re really starting to get into a groove of that. We almost didn’t want to take a break after the Nations League (last year) because we were feeling really good.

"But at the same time, it was also nice to reset and refocus and come back here hungry for the next camp which will be Euro