Sparks still flying but Carla Ward a cool, calm presence

It's becoming a tradition - and an unfortunate necessity - for the new Republic of Ireland boss to cool the scorched earth left by their predecessors' exits.

Eileen Gleeson had to do it when she succeeded Vera Pauw; now it's Carla Ward's turn to stamp out the flames of a fire she didn't start.

While Gleeson's departure felt inevitable in the wake of the Euro 2025 play-off loss to Wales, the handling of her assistant Colin Healy's situation has been messy. Last month, Healy was very critical of the process in which he was removed from his role by the FAI, claiming he'd been led to believe his contract would be extended regardless of how that play-off went.

Denise O'Sullivan later aired her support for Healy, saying: "I think it was disrespectful, I think it lacked class, I think it lacked compassion."

After unveiling her squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header, Ward made it clear that Healy's name was never in play when it came to choosing her backroom team. "It wasn't an option to consider him, because he was gone from the organisation before I came in," she insisted.

"If he was in the building would he be considered? Yes. But he wasn't in the building.

"I didn't make that decision myself. I came in and it was all taken care of.

"I am a very strong individual. I believe I can create change."

"Look, we know football right? When people move on it's not about twisting the arm to bring people back. It is not like that. I came in and understood who I could bring in and we recruited those people and that was it."

Asked if the nature of Healy's exit made her wary of encountering difficulties with the FAI further down the line, the 41-year-old was diplomatic.

"I am a very strong individual," she said. "I believe I can create