Gleeson nurturing 'super positive' competition for places

Interim boss Eileen Gleeson admits leaving players out of her Republic of Ireland squad is the toughest part of the gig but she talked up the "super positive" competition for places that's putting the squeeze on some big names.

Amber Barrett, Lucy Quinn and Heather Payne were omitted from the matchday 23 for Friday's 5-1 UEFA Nations League win over Albania at Tallaght Stadium as Gleeson gave younger players an opportunity.

Factor in the absence of Niamh Fahey, Marissa Sheva, Aoife Mannion, Ruesha Littlejohn, Claire Walsh, Tara O'Hanlon, Savannah McCarthy Jess Ziu and Leanne Kiernan - who aren't even in the extended squad - and Ireland's improved strength in depth becomes obvious.

Gleeson has tough calls to make; and that's how she likes it.

"We speak to the players regularly, communication is open and we've got young players coming in," she said ahead of the Girls in Green's return fixture with the Albanians on Tuesday evening.

"The challenge is all the time evolving so it’s not necessarily that you’ve been in the squad so long so you’re entitled to be in here or that you can never be… you know the squad won’t be changed. That’s football. We make decisions based on a number of factors and that’s what we have to do. I think players understand that can happen."

Gleeson has no injury concerns ahead of the clash in the city of Shkoder, which is two hours north of Tirana.

Ireland could win the group with two games to spare if they do the business against the world No 72-ranked opponents and Northern Ireland draw with Hungary.

And with Ballon d'Or nominee Katie McCabe in the form of her life, it would be a major shock if they don't pick up another three points against stout but limited opponents.

"She's in her prime right now as we