Republic of Ireland V Belgium: Players ignore outside noise – Caitlin Hayes

Republic of Ireland Defender Caitlin Hayes says the players are focused on promoting their countries in the League 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 Dreaston Defender admitted that the noise outside was a distraction but believed that while the players were well aware of the public problems in the fai, they were fully focused 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,” he told BBC Sport Ni.

“When it comes down to this it’s all about football. A storm is a storm; you can be inside a storm that’s happening, and we don’t pay attention to the inside and we don’t pay attention to the inside and don’t pay attention to the outside.”

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

That is a move that will improve their seeding for the 2027 Worl World’s World Cup Qualifier.

“It is important to play well and get a win it will lead to a league A and that is the main goal and what we want to reach. It will be a strong test,” he added.

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

That’s despite questions over whether the team would be better off playing in a more intimate venue like Tallanht given the 15,000 tickets sold for the Aviva.

“The Aviva is my first choice. The pressure is a privilege, no player in this squad will turn down the chance to play in the Aviva and play more games.”