‘It poses a real challenge for the player’ – Ireland captain Katie McCabe facing tough travel schedule

And unlike her England counterpart, the Irish boss hasn’t yet expressed her concerns about the fixture.

Arsenal will fly to Melbourne for a post-season friendly on May 24th – seven days before Ireland face Sweden at the Aviva Stadium.

It is a prohibitive schedule, especially considering the concern for player welfare and the glut of serious ACL injuries whose numbers continue to soar.

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McCabe, who will feature for title-chasing Arsenal in the League Cup final against Chelsea in Molineux this Sunday, is destined to be on the plane.

However, Gleeson confirmed this morning that McCabe has offered no confirmation yet leaving Irish supporters hoping that she will be able to prepare fully for the double-header.

“Well I mean it’s far from ideal. Sarina Wiegman, the England coach, and other coaches have mentioned it in their squad announcements and public conversations.

“It’s a long travel trip with a quick turnaround so it’s directly post the end of the season, directly before a qualifier.

“So yeah it poses a real challenge for the player and for us as well. If it happens, we will have to manage it and best prepare for it if she is involved.”

Gleeson also admitted she would not be averse to Ireland taking their side to GAA grounds after the weekend decision to allow Leinster Rugby to potentially move some of their games to Croke Park as the Aviva Stadium undergoes summer remedial work.

“I’m not involved in those conversations right now but I’m sure all options that are available will be considered.

“That’s as much as I know about it now but the more options that we have the better, and I’m sure all viable options will be considered.”

Gleeson also announced that another former England under-age star, Aston Villa defender Anna Patton, may become eligible ahead of next month’s Nations League double-header away to France and against England at the Aviva.

“We’ve been chatting with Anna on an ongoing basis. She qualifies through family and we’re undergoing the eligibility process.

“Ann would be a great addition to the squad, playing at a really high level. Top five league in the world. And she can be a great addition to our back-line. Strong, competitive.

“She’s had a good pathway through her youth with Arsenal and then into Aston Villa. So she can bring a lot of good characteristics to our team.”