Republic of Ireland v Belgium: Players not paying attention to outside noise – Caitlin Hayes

Republic of Ireland defender Caitlin Hayes said that the players are focusing on their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Belgium and not issues surrounding the Football Association Ireland [FAI].

During her press conference on Monday, head coach Carla Ward was repeatedly asked about allegations of gender discrimination made by her predecessor Eileen Gleeson.

The Brighton defender admitted that outside noise has been a distraction but believes that while players are aware of well publicised problems with the FAI, they are fully concentrated on matters on the pitch.

“I think there are people fighting in our corner for what we want and need to be the best team we can be,” she told BBC Sport NI.

“When it comes down to it it’s all about the football. A storm is a storm; you can be inside a house and not know a storm is happening so inside the camp it’s a home we’ve built, and we focus on what’s inside and not pay attention to outside.”

The 30-year-old said it would “mean everything” to Republic of Ireland if they can overcome Belgium, a side ranked seven places higher than them in the world rankings, and reach League A.

That is a move which would improve their seeding for the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

“It’s important to play well and get a win it will get us into League A and that’s the main goal and what we want to achieve so fingers crossed. It’ll be a tough test,” she added.

The first leg takes place at the Aviva Stadium on Friday and the Brighton centre-back is relishing the chance to play at the venue.

That is despite questions around whether the team would be better playing at a more intimate venue like Tallaght given just 15,000 tickets have been sold for the Aviva.

“The Aviva is my first choice. Pressure is a privilege, no player in this squad would turn down the opportunity to play at the Aviva and play in big games so it’s a massive opportunity.”