CARLA TO ARMS

Boss Wards wants Ireland to be brave at Aviva

- BY GARRY DOYLE

IRELAND boss Carla Ward wants her side to be brave under the Aviva lights.

Ward insists her side will go toe-to-toe with Belgium rather than sit back and defend as they chase Nations League promotion at the Aviva Stadium tonight.

Ward's Ireland face a Belgian side ranked seven places higher at 20th in the world, and while the visitors arrive with serious attacking pedigree, the Ireland boss says her team won't simply be there to contain.

"I always say you have to have belief, confidence and the mentality that you can compete with anyone," said Ward.

"Belgium have some unbelievable qualities. At the Euros, they were the best transition team by far.