Carla Ward has dismissed speculation linking her with a return to the Women’s Super League, insisting her focus remains on leading the Republic of Ireland to the Women’s World Cup. Ward, who replaced Eileen Gleeson in January 2025, has been linked with the vacant manager’s post at her former club Aston Villa. But she said nothing is tempting her away from her current role.
“Nothing is tempting when I’m in this job, you know I love this job and I love working here,” Ward said. “I don’t think anything can take my attention away from these next four games so it’s not a conversation and it’s not anything I would entertain.”
She added: “My heart and my focus, I came here to try and get to a World Cup and that’s all I’m going to think about for the next four games.”
The Republic of Ireland have a chance to book a place at next summer’s finals in Brazil. Their route begins with a play-off against Kazakhstan, with the first leg at the Astana Arena on Friday, 9 October (12:00 BST) and the return fixture in Cork four days later. If they progress, they would face either Belgium or Poland in a two-legged final for a spot at the tournament. Ward’s contract is due to expire in 2027.
Ireland made history by qualifying for the World Cup in 2023 for the first time ever, but they were unable to progress from the group. They were beaten by co-hosts Australia and Canada before drawing with Nigeria. Three years on, Ward has the chance to lead the team back to the biggest stage.
The Republic are unbeaten at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, but Ward is taking nothing for granted against a Kazakhstan side ranked 98th in the world. “We have to go up another level, we have to make sure that we’re performing, and we’re focused at the highest level,” she said. “If we do that then we’ll get the job done. We’ve got an unbelievable squad that are hugely talented and they will look after each other.”
Ward also stressed the need for no complacency across the four games. “You’ve seen how I’ve spoken in the last two years and with immense pride in this job,” she said. “I’m here because I want to get to a World Cup and I think we’ve made tremendous strides and steps as a nation, and it would be the cherry on the cake, but, look we’ve got four games, four cup finals. We have to give everything, blood, sweat and tears. We have to leave everything out there in everything we do and if we do that, we’ve got every chance.”
Ward will have to make changes for the first leg. Captain Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva are both suspended, while experienced Denise O’Sullivan is also unavailable. Tara O’Hanlon is out with a hamstring injury and Saoirse Noonan has been ruled out of both games with an ankle problem. Crystal Palace midfielder Shanade Hopcroft has been called into the squad for the first time.
Despite the absences, Ward believes it is an opportunity for others to step up. “No matter who plays, naturally when you take the likes of Katie and Denise out of your team, they’re two big leaders but that’s an opportunity for players to step up,” she said. “Katie’s here for a reason, she’s got a big part to play off the pitch, and she will and she’ll lead the group as she normally does. Then it’ll be over to those that go out there and I have full belief in every single one of this group to go and get the job done.”