McCabe wants Swedish scalp to drive Irish momentum

Katie McCabe wants her Republic of Ireland team-mates to "keep fighting" to build on the good work of former players as the class of 2022 aim to drive Irish women's football to new heights.

The Dubliner paid tribute to some ex-internationals ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Sweden in Gothenburg on Tuesday evening (live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player from 5pm).

The highly fancied Swedes have won all six of their group games so far and can seal their ticket to the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand with a point at the Gamla Ullevi stadium.

The locals will pile into the ground fully expecting to see them do just that but McCabe is hellbent on spoiling the party - and planting another flag for Irish football.

"We don't go out playing these games to lose," the captain said.

"You want to come over here and do our best. I'd be gutted if we lost. We know that in qualifying campaigns we need to get big results. For us, it’s a massive game but we also know what we’re capable of.

"We’ll be fully focused on the game plan and giving it 100%."

Reflecting on her own journey in a green shirt since making he debut in 2015, the 26-year-old added: "I think I came in at a real pivotal time. We had some great leaders in the team when I first came in, obviously Emma Byrne being our captain at the time.

"The last few years we have had some big moments but where we are now, I think it is a real credit to all the players who fought for everything really for women's football in Ireland.

"For us now, the current generation, we need to keep fighting, we need to progress the game at international level and in our league. I still keep an eye on the Women's National League even though I am in London.

"For us to get better as an international team