Carla Ward blocks out Villa talk to chase World Cup with Ireland

Carla Ward says nothing will drag her attention away from Ireland's next four games and a place at the World Cup.

The Ireland manager has been linked with the vacant job at her former club Aston Villa. She brushed that aside ahead of the play-off. Nothing can take her attention away from the run ahead, she told BBC Sport.

Ward said she came to Ireland to try to reach a World Cup. That is all she will think about for the next four games.

Ireland face Kazakhstan in a Women's World Cup qualifying play-off. It is a two-legged tie, with the score added together over both matches to decide who goes through. The winners will face Belgium or Poland in another two-legged final for a spot at the tournament.

The first leg is at the Astana Arena on 9 October at 12:00 BST. The return is in Cork four days later at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where Ireland women are unbeaten.

It is a big moment. Ireland reached the Women's World Cup for the first time in 2023. They lost to Australia and Canada and drew with Nigeria and did not get out of the group. Ward replaced Eileen Gleeson as manager in January 2025 with the aim of taking them back.

For fans, this means a familiar test of nerve. Kazakhstan are ranked 98th in the world. Ireland will expect to win. Play-offs rarely follow the script.

Ward will have to plan without some key players. Captain Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva are both suspended for the first leg. Denise O'Sullivan is unavailable for the tie.

There are injuries too. Tara O'Hanlon is out with a hamstring injury. Saoirse Noonan will miss both games with an ankle problem. Crystal Palace midfielder Shanade Hopcroft has been called into the squad for the first time, as part of a 25-player group named for the tie, according to the Football Association of Ireland.

Four games. One prize. Ward is not looking anywhere else.