Ireland Women’s Under 19s Secure Elite Round Spot

Following a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Latvia, Dave Connell’s Under 19 charges have secured qualification for the UEFA Elite Round. Goals from Kate Mooney, Tiegan Ruddy, Orla Casey and Lauren O’Callaghan have sent the Girls in Green on their way to the Elite Round.

After a 3-goal success over Estonia on Wednesday, Connell’s charges have secured qualification ahead of the final group game away to the Netherlands. Kick-off in the final game vs the Netherlands is on Wednesday at 5pm (Irish time).

Speaking about his side successes, manager Dave Connell has spoken very highly of his team’s achievements with qualification to the next stage in the bank already while also saying his girls could have racked up some more goals on the score line.

"It's another really impressive and dominant display from the team. They controlled the game from start to finish and whilst, once again, we could have scored a few more, to have qualified with a game remaining is great.”

Connell has also spoken of the importance of clinching a clean-sheet which is always an added bonus.

"We've also been able to keep another clean sheet which is great for the team to take forward into Tuesday's game but also the elite round. There have been a number of impressive performers in the team with the likes of Tiegan Ruddy, Naoisha McAloon, Niamh Farrelly and Orla Casey.”

Keen to single out his young star Chloe Singleton for praise after some fine showings in green, Connell has said that she is one of the many good signs surrounding the squad ahead of the upcoming internationals.

"Having signed for Galway this season, I think Chloe Singleton has been really impressive and steady in everything she has done. There are plenty of great signs around the entire squad and confidence will be high going into the game on Tuesday.”

However, he is acutely aware of the challenges that the Dutch will pose to his young guns, but is confident that his side can get the job done.

"It will be a difficult game. Netherlands are a good, technical side who get forward in numbers but at the same time, we're unbeaten and they never really like playing against us so we'll be confident and looking to stay unbeaten."

Republic of Ireland Team vs Latvia; McAloon (GK), O'Callaghan, Farrelly, Doyle, Singleton (O'Gorman 69), Ruddy, Noonan, Mooney, Reybet-Degat (Craven 46), Burke, McManus (Casey 46).