Eileen Gleeson keen to stay on as Ireland boss but no talks over fresh deal

Eileen Gleeson has aired her desire to stay on as Republic of Ireland head coach no matter what happens in the upcoming Euro 2025 play-off against Wales, but admitted there's been no talks with the FAI on a potential contract extension.

Gleeson was appointed to the role permanently in December 2023 having led the side through the Nations League campaign on an interim basis. Her current deal runs until the end of the Girls in Green's involvement in the Euros campaign.

That makes the two-legged tie against the Welsh hugely significant for Gleeson on a couple of levels: she's aiming to lead her country to a first ever Women's Euros, and quite possibly fighting for a longer stay in the hot seat. Lose against Wales, and her time at the helm might be over.

"I want to continue," Gleeson said after announcing her squad on Thursday. "I love being in the job, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and that’s the way I want it to continue.

"But right now the focus is on getting these two games done.

"(FAI director of football) Marc Canham and I speak all the time, we have a really positive relationship. There's been no discussions around a contract, I want to keep all focus… I don’t have the capacity to focus on anything else, only Wales. That’s all I think about. No formal discussions, no.

"Post the games, then we’ll be able to talk about conversations around that. But I’m trying to keep all my brain power for these games."

The FAI will surely want to avoid a repeat of the situation they found themselves in with Vera Pauw, whose contract ran up until after the 2023 World Cup. They stalled on offering the Dutchwoman a new deal and Pauw was subsequently peppered with questions about her future up to and throughout the tournament in Australia.