GIVE US A BREAK

McCabe warns of player burnout as she calls for a major rethink of the game's global calendar

- BY STEPHEN BARRY

KATIE MCCABE feels the football calendar needs a major overhaul as Ireland face a Nations League promotion decider against Slovenia.

Just 10 days ago the Arsenal stalwart was starring in their Champions League final triumph over Spanish giants Barcelona in Portugal.

Since then she has enjoyed a trophy parade at the Emirates Stadium, put in a player-of-the-match performance in Friday's 2-1 comeback victory over Turkey and now this key clash on Leeside.

Later this month, Ireland will travel to Colorado and Cincinnati for back-to-back friendlies against World No.1-ranked side USA. McCabe will not be joining them as she takes a well-earned rest.

"It's the whole calendar. I don't know who's in charge of it but it definitely needs to be looked at," said McCabe. "What it will create over time - and we've already seen it in recent years - is burnout in players and major injuries.