Republic of Ireland v Kazakhstan: Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan to feature in Cork – Ward

The Republic of Ireland have won all three of the games they have played at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, including their late 3-2 victory against Netherlands earlier this year.

Cork native O’Sullivan missed that game through suspension but is relishing a return home.

“I absolutely love playing here. It’s really special, my family being here, a lot of people I have grown up with who have obviously supported me, the whole of Cork has supported me throughout my career,” said O’Sullivan, who is set to win her 133rd cap on Tuesday, which puts her just one behind Emma Byrne’s record.

“It’s great to be back here and the team, Carla, everyone loves playing in Cork. There’s a really good atmosphere, everyone comes out and doesn’t stop from minute one to 90.”

While Ward revealed that O’Sullivan “wasn’t happy” about being left at home for the long trip to Kazakhstan, the Gotham FC player can understand the need to be carefully managed after persistent knee problems.

“I want to put the Ireland shirt on every opportunity I can but I also look at is as I appreciate Carla and the staff for putting their foot down and not allowing me to do it because I have been, over the past year and a half having some injuries with my knees,” said the 32-year-old.

“I appreciate them stepping in and saying, ‘Look, it’s not good for you to do that’.

“I had to take it in the end, and look, we have a really fantastic team who went out there and put on a very professional performance.

“They got the job done. At the end of the day, when the team wins and puts in a good performance, I’m happy.”