Katie McCabe faces the biggest few months of her life as major tests come thick and fast for club and country. 

Having already lifted the League Cup, Arsenal are through to the Champions League semi-finals and have not given up hope of winning the Women's Super League. 

Once the domestic season is over, the Gunners star will captain the Republic of Ireland at the World Cup, where they face co-hosts Australia in the tournament's opening game.

Ahead of the first leg of her side's European tie with Wolfsburg this afternoon, we take a look at 27-year-old McCabe's career at a time when it looks poised to hit new heights. 

Family inspiration

Growing up, McCabe had the benefit of having an inspirational figure close to home. 

One of her 10 siblings was Gary McCabe, who made over 300 appearances in the League of Ireland Premier Division. 

As a child, she frequently played alongside boys. 

In a recent interview with Arsenal's website, McCabe revealed how she first became aware of the possibility of playing women's football. 

She said: "I remember my dad put the Women's FA Cup final on and at the time it was the one game a year that was on TV. 

"I think it was on BBC and it was Arsenal playing Everton. I must have been about 12 at the time. 

"I honestly didn't know women's football even existed. All I did was watch the Premier League and the Ireland men's games. 

"But ever since that day I was like, 'I can do that too'." 

Arsenal regular

McCabe began her career in Ireland with Raheny United and then Shelbourne Ladies before making the move to Arsenal in 2015. 

A loan to Glasgow City to gain playing time followed in 2017. Shortly afterwards, she was named as the youngest-ever captain of the Republic of Ireland at 21. 

At that stage of her career, she was a winger. It was only when McCabe returned to Arsenal that Joe Montemurro converted her to play as a left-back. 

The 5ft 5in ace has been a mainstay of the side ever since, regularly scoring and assisting from her defensive position. 

McCabe's attacking prowess was on display in the recent 2-1 victory against title rivals Manchester City, scoring the winner when she took the ball from a short corner and rifled it into the net. 

She was suspended for this week's match against WSL leaders Manchester United, which Arsenal lost 1-0. 

The Gunners are now third, six points behind United, but still with a game in hand.

Special ending

McCabe will return for Arsenal's trip to Wolfsburg ahead of the second leg at the Emirates on May 1. 

If the Gunners can overcome the Frauen-Bundesliga champions, they will reach their first Champions League final since winning the competition back in 2007. 

With silverware already secured and still fighting on two fronts, it has already been a successful season in North London — but there is the potential for it to be very special.

Whatever happens, McCabe is set to go into the summer World Cup on a high. 

The girl who did not know women's football existed is now starring at the very top of it.