Phil Egan brings you Thursday’s Football Daily as Ireland step up preparations for Friday’s World Cup play-off semi-final away to Kazakhstan.

There’s a major injury blow for Carla Ward with Jess Ziu ruled out of the first leg, while Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva are suspended and Denise O’Sullivan is being rested. Jesse Stapleton also explains why Ireland won’t take Kazakhstan for granted.

Plus, Shamrock Rovers host Drogheda United in a potentially title-shaping clash at Tallaght, with Stephen Bradley leaning on hard-earned experience.

We’ve also got FAI Cup semi-final build-up, Arsenal backing Mikel Arteta long-term, and more from across the football world.

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