McCabe hands over captain's armband in comfortable Arsenal win

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe handed over the Arsenal skipper's armband to Leah Williamson upon her first appearance in nine months as Arsenal routed Reading 6-0 in the League Cup.

The fit-again England captain, sidelined since April by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, a lay-off that included missing England's run to the final at the summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, came off the bench on the hour mark at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as she replaced Jen Beattie.

McCabe, who signed a contract extension with the Gunners in September stepped into the role of captain in the wake of injuries to both Williamson and Kim Little immediately handed Williamson the armband upon her introduction.

The game itself proved straight forward for Arsenal, with Caitlin Foord, Laia Codina, Beth Mead and a Stina Blackstenius wrapping up a comprehensive win for Jonas Eidevall's side as they progress to the last eight.

Additional reporting: PA