Katie McCabe could face a nightmare 34,000km round trip just days before Ireland’s Euro 2025 qualification double-header against Sweden.
The Girls in Green will host Sweden at the Aviva Stadium on May 31, before the return game at a venue to be confirmed on June 4.
McCabe’s club Arsenal have just announced an end-of-season exhibition match against an A League Allstars Women’s team in Melbourne on Friday May 24.
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According to the Gunners’ website, the match will take place at the Marvel Stadium as part of Global Football Week in the south Australian city.
The game will be part of a double-header, with Newcastle United’s men’s team facing an A League Allstars Men’s team.
Arsenal Sporting Director, Edu said: “We’re so happy our women’s team will be playing in Australia for the first time ever this May.
“We’re really proud that this special match against A League Allstars Women will give our supporters in Australia a fantastic opportunity to see our players in action and give our players a chance to connect with everyone who loves the game there.
“We all shared in the excitement, saw huge attendances and viewing figures of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
“This is a chance for us to build on that in partnership with the A League which is experiencing its own exciting growth too.”
McCabe was one of the stars of the World Cup, with her goal straight from a corner kick against Canada a highlight of the hugely successful tournament.
Australia and Arsenal star Steph Catley added: “It’s so exciting that Arsenal will be travelling to Australia in May.
“During the World Cup, we all shared in the huge wave of excitement and popularity and potential of women’s football across the world with Australia at the heart of it.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of what will be another great occasion against A League Allstars Women.
“As a Melbourne girl and a very proud Arsenal player, it will be a very special moment to walk out on home soil in Arsenal colours.”
Ireland’s opponents in late-May and early-June, Sweden, could also be affected by the exhibition game.
Star player Stina Blackstenius, striker Linda Hurtig and defender Amanda Ilestedt all play for the Gunners.
News of the game is sure to be met with groans from national team managers across - with the Arsenal squad also containing players from Austria, England, Scotland, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, England, Spain and France.
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