Eileen Gleeson Italy Georgia Ireland county Green Slovakia soccer international soccer Sport Eileen Gleeson Italy Georgia Ireland county Green Slovakia

Eileen Gleeson confident 'stronger' Ireland are ready for Wales

rte.ie

The Republic of Ireland's mission to make a first Women's European Championships has boiled down to an international derby against Wales in a mouthwatering play-off final.While Ireland were easing past Georgia 9-0 on aggregate on Tuesday, the Welsh had to battle past Slovakia after extra-time.

It was hard going for Rhian Wilkinson's side, but they will have no fear of the Girls in Green.Eight months ago, Wales came to Dublin and impressively defeated their hosts 2-0 in a friendly.But head coach Eileen Gleeson believes her team have made significant forward strides since that game, and said they are targeting an "incredible" night of glory when the countries collide at Aviva Stadium in December's second leg."It's good that we played Wales earlier in the year," said Gleeson."I'd go so far as to say the loss was a great learning moment, and it was always about context.

It was the second game of a window of two friendlies. We'd just played Italy... we'd a bit of a lag, and that game, we started a different 11."Players were missing, Denise (O'Sullivan) was missing.

There's a lot to learn from that. Obviously Wales are a solid, strong team... but I think the squad is stronger and it's just about keeping everybody fit."Gleeson couldn't contain her excitement about the prospect of leading her players out at the Aviva again for what will essentially be a cup final.Ireland, as a seeded country, are on home soil for the second leg, with the first leg set to be played at Cardiff City Stadium."It's incredible," Gleeson added. "It's super exciting.

Related News
Republic of Ireland playmaker Denise O'Sullivan is ready to roll into a huge Euro 2025 play-off final against familiar foes Wales next month with the ambition crystal clear: qualify for a first ever Women's European Championships.
The Republic of Ireland are easing into the Playoff Final for next summer's Women's European Championships.
Republic of Ireland win 9-0 on aggregate
The Republic of Ireland's 6-0 win in Tbilisi makes tonight's Euro 2025 play-off semi-final second leg a formality, a runaround under the lights and a chance to have a look at some fringe players.
UEFA EURO 2025 QUALIFYING PLAY-OFF ROUND 1 SECOND LEG
Eileen Gleeson has promised her Republic of Ireland team will be "ruthless" against Georgia tomorrow night, insisting their 6-0 first-leg victory has not suppressed a collective appetite to impress on home soil.

Latest News

Change privacy settings
This page might use cookies if your analytics vendor requires them.