Eileen Gleeson increases depth in 'chaos' of Albanian downpour

Promotion to the UEFA Nations League has been secured with two games to spare, but there's no room for sentiment in the Republic of Ireland camp.

An ugly win over Albania - thanks to Denise O'Sullivan's 89th-minute strike - got the Girls in Green out of a rain-soaked Schkoder with the three points that wrapped up the group, their lead officially unassailable after Northern Ireland drew with Hungary later in the evening.

That's four victories out of four for interim boss Eileen Gleeson, who has shown a real commitment to giving younger players more opportunities.

Abbie Larkin, Izzy Atkinson and Erin McLaughlin have been the beneficiaries of that approach. But there's been casualties too.

Amber Barrett, Claire O'Riordan and Megan Campbell failed to make the matchday 23 last night. On Friday, for the home game against the Albanians, Lucy Quinn missed out.

Competition is fierce, and some seasoned players are missing out.

"What they need to do is just between me and them," Gleeson said.

"We have lots of competition now, football decisions will stay in between the squad and we have them chats between ourselves. Like I said, it's all football decisions."

Gleeson won't be in charge by the time Ireland begin their Euro 2025 qualifiers in 2025, but she's determined to leave the squad in rude health.

The FAI are still working on finding a permanent replacement for Vera Pauw, with a decision expected to be made by December. Whoever comes in will inherit a deep panel with a great opportunity to make it to another major tournament.

Denise O'Sullivan has broken the deadlock for Ireland in their Women's Nations League clash in Albania and Eileen Gleeson's side are on course to maintain their 100% record #COYGIG #ALBIRL #IRLWNT