Republic of Ireland Women's Football Team

Image source, Getty Images

Republic of Ireland midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn has been ruled out of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Poland in Gdansk (17:00 BST).

The 35-year-old is unavailable due to "a flare up" of an Achilles injury but is expected to return for the second match of the must-win double header at the Aviva Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland lost against France and Netherlands in their opening two matches of the qualifying campaign and currently sit bottom of the Group A2.

"Ruesha will be out tomorrow but available for the second game," said Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward.

"Just a flare-up in the Achilles. She'll be back next game."

Poland opened their campaign with a draw at home to the Netherlands before being beaten 4-1 by leaders France.

Tuesday's home side have multiple key threats upfront, including captain Ewa Pajor, with the side netting 12 goals in their past five games.

"You can't underestimate Poland," Ward continued.

"They're a top side with world class players, similar to France and Netherlands. So it'll be the same approach as it would be if we were playing France and Netherlands and we want to try and get points from every single game.

"We love to fight. We love the energy. They're similar. So, we're going to have to absolutely match that."

Image source, Inpho

Alan Mahon has resigned from his role as the Republic of Ireland's assistant coach due to "personal reasons".

Mahon, who won two caps for Republic of Ireland during his playing career, was appointed as Carla Ward's assistant in January after a spell as a coach at Manchester City.

He was part of Ward's backroom team for 10 games, but The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed on Tuesday that he had stepped down from his role.

"I'm a really proud Irishman and I've been incredibly fortunate to represent my country as a player and as a coach. It has been an amazing experience being involved with the Ireland Women's National Team with memories and friendships forged that I will hold dearly for the rest of my life," he told the FAI in a statement on their website.

"I'd like to thank Carla (Ward) and the FAI for giving me the opportunity to take on the role, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, I owe a debt of gratitude to all of the players and staff who were brilliant to work with.

"I've taken the difficult decision to step down from my role with the team due to personal reasons and would like to wish everyone involved the very best of luck. I've no doubt that this squad has the potential to achieve World Cup qualification and I will be cheering them on in every game."

The FAI said the process to appoint a new assistant is under way, and Ward added that Mahon was a "pleasure to work with".

"On behalf of everyone connected with the Ireland Women's National Team I'd like to acknowledge and thank him for the important work that he did in helping us to secure promotion to League A in the UEFA Nations League."