Katie McCabe signs new 'long-term' deal with Super League frontrunners Arsenal

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe has committed her long-term future to Arsenal after putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Super League leaders.

The versatile wide player has made 58 appearances for the Gunners in just over three years at the club following her move from Shelbourne ahead of the 2016 season.

23-year-old McCabe has appeared 25 times for the North London club this season – more than any other player – and has racked up eight goals and 11 assists to her name.

She had only signed a contract extension last summer but the club have moved quickly to tie her down to a ‘long-term deal.’

The Kilnamanagh native has flourished under the guidance of Australian coach Joe Montemurro after featuring only intermittently under his predecessor Pedro Martinez Losa.

A productive spell on loan with Glasgow City at the tail end of 2017 proved to be a turning point and she’s gone on to become a virtual ever-present under Montemurro.

She had only signed a contract extension last summer but the club have moved quickly to tie her down to a ‘long-term deal.’

“Speaking to Joe and hearing that he wanted to keep me for that bit longer was a great feeling,” McCabe told the club’s website.

“Joe’s been great for me personally and he’s really helped me to grow as a player. He’s put a lot of confidence in me and really helped me to develop.

“He’s given me a chance in the starting line-up which I’ve nailed down, but you can’t get too complacent.

“I’ve got to keep working hard and pushing - and hopefully over the next few years I can continue to do that and help this club win trophies.

“We’ve been hit hard with injuries over the season but I think when everyone gets back fit we’re really likely to do some damage over the next few years.

“Playing for Arsenal Football Club is all about winning trophies. We’ve shown that in the past and we’ve got a great history of doing that, and we’ve put ourselves in some great situations in cup finals and hopefully we can continue to do that.”

Montemurro added: “We’re delighted that Katie has signed a new contract with us. She is a very versatile player, she is strong and creative, and her development throughout my time here has been very positive.

“I am looking forward to seeing her continue to grow and achieve with us.”

McCabe came through the ranks with St Francis before joining Raheny United at the age of 15 ahead of the inaugural Women’s National League in 2011.

She won two league titles and three FAI Cups with Raheny before the team cut ties with Raheny and merged with Shelbourne.