Diane Caldwell: Ireland still have a few gears to go up

Diane Caldwell says preparations have gone well as the Republic of Ireland focus in on Monday's crucial World Cup 2023 Group A qualifier against Georgia.

The reverse fixture at Tallaght last November saw Ireland record their biggest ever win, with Caldwell getting in on the scoring in an 11-0 stroll.

Temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s in Gori where a victory would move the Girls in Green into second place in the table.

The squad have been preparing in Turkey in order to acclimatise to the heat, and they beat the Philippines, who have already qualified for the World Cup, there in a friendly on Sunday.

"I always find the first session is the hardest and then you'll gradually see your body start to adapt to those demands of the heat," said Caldwell.

"You just have to be really well prepared. The doctor and the physio team have really prepared us well for this camp.

"They've made us aware of how vital our fluids are, particularly in this heat. We have various protocols in place to help us deal with those temperatures.

"It's been great to be here in Turkey, where temperates are actually higher than they would be in Georgia so I think everyone will be well prepared.

"We've had a lot of sessions under the intensity of that heat and a few of us have experienced playing in that heat before with our clubs so that will also stand to us."

Indeed, Caldwell played in the United States with North Carolina Courage, until they elected not to give her a new contract before Christmas.

It left the Dubliner on the lookout for somewhere to ply her trade, but she could't have asked for a better spot as her childhood club Manchester United signed her.

"It was everything I'd hoped it would be and more," says the 33-year-old, who isn't certain