After reaching a first World Cup last year, the Republic of Ireland are on the brink of even more history as they look to qualify for a first European Championship.

They face Wales in Dublin on Tuesday in a winner-takes-all second leg after the sides drew 1-1 in Cardiff on Friday.

It was a cagey game that had a derby feel, with both sides well aware of what is on the line as they look to book a place in the finals in Switzerland next summer.

Captain Katie McCabe is hoping the Republic of Ireland's experience in a play-off situation, as well as home advantage, can help them over the line against the Welsh.

They lost to Ukraine to miss out on a place at Euro 2022 but they bounced back with a famous win over Scotland to book their place at the World Cup in Australia the following year.

Now, Arsenal's McCabe is ready to help her team kick on.

"For us as a team and a nation, we have wanted to be in this position more regularly. This is our third play-off scenario," she said.

"Years ago we used to speak about how we wanted to get there, but we're here now.

"We need to embrace that pressure and enjoy the challenge. I always say that pressure is a privilege."

While McCabe has been there and done it on the highest stage, she admits that it is OK for her side to "to have a few nerves".

She added that the more experienced players in the squad will be there for the younger members of Eileen Gleeson's panel to lean on, should they require it.

"For people who haven't been in this position, as experienced players and leaders within the group we can share that knowledge.

"We can show that vulnerability to younger players for them to know that it's OK to have a few nerves when you are playing in front of 25,000 in Dublin.

"For us, we are aware of the magnitude of the game but we will focus on what we can control, which is our game plan, work ethic and how we execute that."

McCabe added that playing in front of a vocal crowd at Aviva Stadium for a winner-takes-all match will be "unbelievable".

"We'll be taking it in our stride. Each and every single one of us staff and players will be enjoying it.

"We know what we have to do. We know what is on the line and what is at stake. We'll be ready to leave it all out there."