Eileen Gleeson: Exciting times after a magnificent year

Eileen Gleeson said the Republic of Ireland are in a "super exciting time" as she prepares to hand over the reins to the next permanent manager of a team that appears to be peaking.

The Girls in Green finished off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 6-1 hammering of Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Tuesday to cap off a landmark year in style.

The team was under the microscope following Vera Pauw's post World Cup departure, the Dutch coach paying the price for dressing-room unhappiness. A desire to play a more attacking brand of football could have backfired if they stuttered through a winnable Nations League group.

Under the guidance of interim boss Gleeson however, they cruised past Northern Ireland, Hungary and Albania, winning all six of their games, scoring 20 goals and conceding just twice.

The FAI will announce Pauw's permanent successor before Christmas, with Gleeson confident a flush of youth has heightened competition and left the squad in good shape to compete in the short and long term.

"Yeah it's a really positive time I think," she said.

"Young players transitioning through which is a super exciting time. We've got to bring in some young players from the LOI as well so it’s a really positive time for women’s football in Ireland.

"It’s been a magnificent year 2023, participation in a first ever World Cup, promotion to League A, six [wins] from six. The story is continuing and I keep saying the longer-term aim is Euro 2025 and the World Cup 2027, and having the consistent qualifications for those tournaments, so these young players coming through are really bright. We want to keep continuing to develop those young players."

Gleeson was irritated by suggesstions they'd take their foot off the gas in Belfast.

Ir