Harnessing unique power of Katie McCabe key for Ireland

Katie McCabe is this Republic of Ireland team's best player, cut from the same cloth as peak Steven Gerrard: an all-action force of nature with a tendency to be relentlessly drawn to the ball.

In Gerrard's playing days debate would rage about how best he should be deployed.

The Liverpool man started his career at right-back, moved into the middle, was often used by Rafa Benitez on the right wing, then dovetailed with Fernando Torres as a No 10 before finally winding down his playing days as a deep-lying No 6.

McCabe has been similarly moved around the pitch for club and country, though recently at Arsenal she’s found herself in the position she dreads most: the bench.

In January a number of Irish fans – including Shelbourne skipper Pearl Slattery – made the journey to London for the top-of-the-table WSL clash between the Gunners and Chelsea only to be greeted by the news that McCabe wasn’t starting.

She came on in the 81st minute for Lena Hurtig, picking up a yellow card towards the end of a 1-1 draw. Manager Jonas Eidevall has overlooked the Tallaght native a few more times since.

Two weeks after that game, Chelsea – clearly sensing an opportunity – made a £250,000 bid for McCabe that was flatly rejected. It was a bold move by the Blues that caused quite a stir around the league.

McCabe’s contract is up in 2024 and though she has consistently stressed her desire to stay at Arsenal, no one would blame her for being tempted to go and play under a coach as respected as Emma Hayes. A big summer move would not be a complete shock.

Last week’s international camp in Marbella offered McCabe the chance to get away from her club frustrations. However the 0-0 friendly draw against world No 14-ranked China did expose a couple of familiar