Republic of Ireland pair, Louise Quinn and Katie McCabe, have signed new deals to keep them at the club.

McCabe arrived from Shelbourne Ladies in 2015 and spent part of last season on loan. She was very close to a move to Liverpool during the January window, only for the move to collapse after we had it confirmed by two independent sources that she was on her way north.

McCabe, 22, started her career at St Francis L.F.C. in Dublin, where she was born, before joining Raheny United in 2011 at the age of 16.

While at the Raheny, the forward featured in their first ever season as part of the Women’s National League (WNL), which was formed the year she joined. McCabe went on to win two league titles in 2012/13 and 2013/14, as well as the FAI Women’s Cup three times and WNL Cup once.

During the 2014/15 season, the Republic of Ireland international netted an impressive 23 goals.

When she signed for Arsenal McCabe snubbed offers from both Chelsea and Manchester City.

Quinn, 27, signed for Arsenal just last year, arriving from Notts County Ladies. The Republic of Ireland international had only signed for County three months previously but was forced to move after the Magpies folded.

The centre-back was initially only recruited for the Spring Series, but first earned herself a contract extension in August after showcasing fine form as Arsenal stayed unbeaten during the tournament.

She has paired up well with Leah Williamson in defence, helping Arsenal to lift yet another Conti Cup.

Manager, Joe Montemurro, said of the new deals, “Katie and Louise are both very talented players. They both bring so much to our squad. Louise is a strong, talented and committed defender and Katie is a technical and intelligent player. We are delighted that they have chosen to sign new contracts with us.”

International round-up

McCabe captained the Republic of Ireland as they lost 1-0 to Norway. Quinn also played the full match. A 25th minute penalty was the difference between the two sides.

Kim Little and Lisa Evans both found the back of the net during Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Poland, helping the Scots overturn a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.

Dominique Janssen and Sari van Veendedaal played the full 90 as the Netherlands beat Slovakia 1-0.

Newest signing, Viktoria Schnaderbeck who arrived from Bayern Munich, captained her country as Austria won 6-0 against Israel.