Lisa Fallon: Scotland's more open approach will suit Ireland

Facing Scotland with their more open style of play is something Ireland can reap some benefits from in tonight's crucial World Cup play-off, according to RTÉ analyst Lisa Fallon.

On Thursday last, the Scots advanced past a fancied Austria side after extra-time to set up a Hampden Park clash with the Irish. For Fallon, however, the date with Pedro Martinez Losa's outfit is giving her cause for optimism.

"I have a really good feeling about this game," the FIFA high-performance coach told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.

"I think Scotland are a slightly better opponent for Ireland in the way that they play. Austria are a team that like to sit in; they almost play the way Ireland play but Scotland will come out and play. The game then should be a bit more open and will suit the strengths of this Irish team, which is to be a little bit more defensive and structured and then counter-attack.

"I think we will get spaces and opportunities to counter-attack and play through Scotland, who will be a little bit more open than the Austrians would have been.

"I'm quietly confident and when you look across the squads and the players available, Ireland have a really, really good team. There is a lot of depth in the team, despite the countless number of injuries that are there.

"People have talked about tonight and whether it's about a good performance or a result? There is no denying - tonight is about a result. You do what you have to do to go and win tonight's game because it's a game-changer potentially for all these players and for women's football in Ireland."

A key player in the Scotland engine room is Erin Cuthbert, whom Fallon knows only too well after coaching her at Chelsea.

"If I could give an analogy, Erin is pretty much Scotland's Katie