Room for improvement motivating Ireland Women's Under 17s

If ever there is a clear sign of a team's ambition it is when they speak about improving following an emphatic victory. Such is the way with the Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17s.

Last Wednesday evening, Dave Bell's side recorded a 6-0 triumph over Faroe Islands in their opening Group 10 game. But they are still a long way from reaching the UEFA European Championship finals next summer.

At least, that is the feeling amongst the squad who have set their own expectations quite high. While they seek passage through the Elite Round, Ireland know that the only thing that matters right now is improving their performance for their next match.

It is why Sadhbh Doyle and Carla McManus refuse to look beyond Friday'sopponent, Belarus, because they know how quickly fortunes can change should they not better their last display. 

"We know that we can play better as a team. We were glad to get the win against Faroe Islands but there are a lot of things that we can do better and that is what we are aiming to do," said Doyle.

A tough-tackling defender, who can also operate in midfield, Doyle speaks in a determined manner that provides an insight into the Ireland squad's mentality of being the best that they can be and hoping that aids their pursuit of finishing top in their group.

If they are to succeed in that venture then players like McManus will be important. The fleet-footed forward proved that she contribute at this level by netting a hat-trick at Turner's Cross despite only being introduced as a substitute on 56 minutes.

Yet, McManus is not getting carried away. "I think that I can score more goals, but I just want to help the team. We work hard at being a team and sticking together, which is important," she said.

Unity is a characteristic that doesn't come easy to a group of players. But this Ireland squad are quick to acknowledge what is required to forge it on the pitch ahead of their next battle.

The first step is recognising the areas of improvement; the next is implementing a plan of action. Should they follow the guidance of Bell, a vastly experienced coach, then Ireland can fulfil their objective.

A vocal crowd of 421 spectators cheered Ireland on last Wednesday and another strong turn-out is expected on Friday night, where supporters could be treated to an even better performance by the girls in green.

Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17s
Goalkeepers: Erica Turner, Rachael Kelly (Shelbourne Ladies).
Defenders: Aoife Lynagh, Lucia Lobato (Salthill Devon), Lauryn Grier (Kentstown Rovers), Sadhbh Doyle (Galway WFC), Sophie Donoghue (Shelbourne Ladies), Tara Mannix (Cork City WFC), Orla Casey (Wexford Youths).
Midfielders: Tiegan Ruddy, Doireann Fahey, Chloe Singleton (Peamount United),  Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Megan Mackey (Chelsea Ladies).
Forwards: Heather Payne, Carla McManus (Peamount United), Isibeal Carolan (Enniskerry), Alannah McEvoy (Enniskerry).

Fixtures
Friday, October 28: Republic of Ireland v Belarus, Turner's Cross, KO 19:00.
Monday, October 31: Republic of Ireland v Iceland, Turner's Cross, KO 19:00.