Amber Barrett grabs the spotlight in Tallaght audition

Amber Barrett is earning herself a reputation as a player suited to the big moments.

Earlier this week she claimed the Goal of the Year award at the FAI's annual ceremony, her toepoked effort against Scotland in the World Cup play-off being played over and over again on a big screen at the Mansion House in Dublin.

That was a moment she'll treasure for the rest of her days but the Donegal woman has always said she wants to add more chapters to her international story.

On Thursday night she rose from the bench to score a brace - the second a terrific lob - as Ireland came from one-nil down to beat Zambia 3-2. It was their last match before Vera Pauw confirms her 23-player squad for the World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.

This was an audition - and Barrett grabbed the spotlight.

"I cannot tell you, I feel like the weight of the world came off my shoulders when the ball went into the net," she said afterwards.

"To score in Tallaght in front of that crowd, I cannot describe it. It's such an unbelievable feeling. Every single one of them, we heard them for the full 90 minutes. Even when Courtney is making a save, the roar is nearly as loud as when we score. That's the support we want. To score for Ireland is the best thing you can ever do.

"A third would have been nice! But no, going in at half-time 1-0 down we really had to reset and get ourselves back into the game. It was great to score two goals, but more importantly we got ourselves over the line against a really tough Zambia team.

"We really gave them the respect they deserved. They have some really top class players in there and made it difficult for us. Even at the end at 3-1, they looked dangerous. Of course, it's great that we managed to get a win, with so many of