Players not paying attention to outside noise - Hayes

"I think there are people fighting in our corner for what we want and need to be the best team we can be,"

"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."

"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,"

Caitlin Hayes says the Republic of Ireland squad is concentrating on the Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Belgium and not on issues surrounding the Football Association of Ireland. Head coach Carla Ward was repeatedly questioned about allegations of gender discrimination made by predecessor Eileen Gleeson. Hayes admitted outside noise has been a distraction but emphasised the squad has built a supportive camp and stays focused on football. Promotion to League A would improve seeding for 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers. The first leg is at the Aviva Stadium and Hayes prefers the Aviva, calling pressure a privilege.

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