Katie McCabe wants Aviva Stadium breakthrough ahead of historic clash

Katie McCabe said she wants to see the Republic of Ireland women's team play at the Aviva Stadium on a regular basis ahead of a historic first women's international at the venue.

The Girls in Green take on Northern Ireland in their opening UEFA Nations League clash on Saturday, with over 38,000 tickets sold for the derby.

A cloud has hung over the team since the messy departure of Vera Pauw last month, with Diane Caldwell's claims that the players achieved World Cup qualification "in spite" of the manager pouring fresh petrol on to what has been a simmering fallout.

But tomorrow finally marks the beginning of a new era.

Interim boss Eileen Gleeson is at the helm as an Ireland women's side plays at the Lansdowne Road venue for the first time.

"We don't want this to be a once-off thing," said McCabe. "Yes we love Tallaght, we have created a lot of special memories in Tallaght, we have great engagement with our fans in Tallaght, but this is the pinnacle, playing in your national stadium.

"Maybe we might see this going in the future, puts a bit of pressure on the FAI. It’s a fantastic thing. Myself and the girls, we cannot wait for tomorrow. It’s going to be a spectacular day. We hope we can give the performance and get the result for our fans to be happy with."

It'll be a special moment too for Gleeson, who has been involved in Irish women's football for decades.

Last January she was appointed as the FAI's Head of Women and Girls' Football, a position created to further drive and develop the game from grassroots level up. She remains committed to that role, insisting she has no interest in becoming the manager on a permanent basis.

Still, Gleeson did allow herself a moment to reflect on the magnitude of Saturday's fixture.

"It's