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Katie Mc Cabe was able to celebrate her 100th Republic of Ireland cap thanks to Abbie Larkin's late winner in Belgium Katie Mc Cabe says she had "goosebumps" from Abbie Larkin's 90th-minute winner in Belgium as the Republic of Ireland earned promotion to League A in the Nations League. Carla Ward's side, inspired by captain Mc Cabe, led 4-2 after the first leg but Tessa Wullaert's two goals eradicated the two-goal advantage. The game looked like it would head to extra time but Larkin popped up to score in the 90th minute to give the Republic of Ireland a 5-4 win on aggregate. "Scoring winners like that is unbelievable. I've got goosebumps even talking about it, " Arsenal's Mc Cabe told RTE. "They are big, big moments. " Larkin's goal secured an immediate return to League A for the Irish in the 2027 World Cup qualifying, which guarantees Ward's side a play-off. It was a breakthrough moment for the 20-year-old forward, who has often been used as an impact player since she made her debut in 2022. "Larko has been in and around us for a while. She has been in great form for Palace and has really grown and matured over the past few years, " Mc Cabe added. "We need to keep these players fit, healthy and in form because we're going to need everybody in the steps for World Cup qualifying. " Late Larkin goal secures promotion for Republic of Ireland It was a night to celebrate for Mc Cabe as she won her 100th cap for her country in Leuven. She also made her 50th appearance against the same opposition, but that game ended in defeat. The 30-year-old said she would enjoy becoming the eighth woman to reach the landmark for Republic of Ireland, but her focus was quickly on the weekend as her club side Arsenal face Leicester City in the WSL. "We'll enjoy the celebrations in the changing room, but my full focus is back on my club. "Of course, I'll enjoy the moment with the girls and the staff. I'm very, very proud to achieve something like this. It is very sacred. "It's a long time coming. I made my 50th appearance here in Belgium and we lost 1-0, so I'm happy to be here making my 100th and taking the win home. " Carla Ward took over as Republic of Ireland manager in January Irish manager Ward was full of praise for her players and said the goals conceded, while "disappointing", weren't mentioned in the half-time team talk. She said the focus was on how they could improve, and how they could tweak their system and instil belief in the players. "We had to have a bit of belief, and we had to go again. It was a positive and calm half-time, and the reaction was brilliant, " Ward told RTE Sport. "The girls have dug in and they deserve an awful lot of credit. " It is an immediate return to the top tier for the Irish, who faced European champions England, France and Sweden in Euro 2025 qualifying. 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