McCabe: Player power played no part in Pauw departure

Republic of Ireland international Katie McCabe says she regrets a World Cup social media post regarding a disagreement with Vera Pauw, but insists that player power played no part in the manager's departure.

During the World Cup, the manager’s relationship with her captain came under the microscope after the pair had an on-field row during the 0-0 draw with Nigeria.

McCabe urging Pauw to make changes in the later stages of the match; Pauw refused, and said in her post-match press conference: "If Katie McCabe wants a change, it doesn't mean… she's not the coach."

McCabe subsequently posted a zipped-mouth emoji on her social media.

Speaking ahead of the historic Nations League clash with Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, the Arsenal star admits a certain regret.

"It was a bit tongue in cheek at the time. On reflection, I could have maybe handled it a little better."

Following an FAI review into World Cup qualification and the tournament itself, it was decided not to offer 60-year-old Pauw a contract extension.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport after her departure from the Irish hotseat, Pauw claimed some of her staff turned on her in the final weeks of her tenure, but insisted there was no bad blood between the pair.

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"We've spoken for over an hour with each other," said Pauw. "We are absolutely fine with each other."

McCabe confirmed that she had a number of conversations with the Dutch woman, and rejected the notion that it was the players who exerted a string