'Nothing can take my attention' - Ward on World Cup

Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward says that her focus is on reaching the Women's World Cup amid speculation linking her to a move back to the Women's Super League.The Republic have a chance to book a spot at next summer's finals in Brazil when they face a play-off against Kazakhstan before, if they progress, a two-legged final against either Belgium or Poland.Ward, who replaced Eileen Gleeson in January 2025, has been linked with the vacant post at her former club Aston Villa. However, she insists leading the Republic of Ireland to the World Cup is her primary ambition."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."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 made history when they qualified for the World Cup in 2023 for the first time ever. However, they were unable to progress from the group, beaten by co-hosts Australia and Canada, before drawing with Nigeria.Three years on, Ward now has the chance to lead the team back to the biggest stage in international football. "You've seen how I've spoken in the last two years and with immense pride in this job," she continued."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."The two-legged tie against Kazakhstan begins with a trip to the Astana Arena on Friday, 9 October (12:00 BST) before the return fixture in Cork four days later. The Republic of Ireland are unbeaten at Pairc Ui 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."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."I think anyone that comes in that will know their role I think we're really clear with what we do, what we want and how we play."Ward will have to make changes, with captain Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva both suspended for the first leg, while the experienced Denise O'Sullivan is also unavailable.Tara O'Hanlon is out with a hamstring injury and Saoirse Noonan has also been ruled out of both games with an ankle problem.Meanwhile, Crystal Palace midfielder Shanade Hopcroft has been called into the squad for the first time.Despite the absence of multiple key leaders, Ward says this is a chance for others to shine."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."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."