ABBIE DAYS!

Larkin's late strike seals promotion to top tier for the Girls in Green

- BY DEREK FOLEY

TON-UP Katie McCabe got her wish as Ireland won their UEFA Nations League playoff on aggregate last night.

But it was the 100-cap skipper’s younger lookalike Abbie Larkin (right with McCabe) who grabbed all the headlines with a precious 90th minute goal that saw Ireland over the line following a 4-2 first leg win in Dublin.

The tireless Kyra Carusa made a break towards the box on the right and aimed a cross towards Anna Patten that a defender diverted into Larkin's path.

The 20-year-old Crystal Palace striker initially misconnected but recovered her composure to toe poke home.

For McCabe's Ireland there was promotion from Section A of the Nations League with all 16 top tier nations guaranteed at least a playoff when it comes to qualification for the 2027 World Cup to be held in Brazil.