Republic of Ireland Under-17 Women’s manager John Morris-Burke is confident his team can cap off this week’s friendly tournament with a good performance against Poland on Saturday.

Ireland were unlucky to lose their first match on Wednesday against Finland 3-1 after taking the lead early in the match but improved all-round in the next game against Russia 24 hours later when they were held to a scoreless draw.

The Republic team will take on Moldova, Sweden and mini-group hosts Turkey in the UEFA first phase qualifiers from October 19th – 24th.

Morris-Burke is satisfied with the standard of displays from his team as he keeps them on track for the upcoming competitive games.

“At this juncture, the process is all about finding players for the qualifiers,” he said. “In that respect, we’re extremely satisfied that those players drafted into the squad as replacements have done very well.

“We have a decent pool of players to choose from now. We’d kike to finish the mini-tournament off on a good note and the Girls are in good spirits today after performing so well against Russia yesterday.”

Amy Ryan gave Ireland a third minute lead against Finland on Wednesday but that advantage was clawed back before the break and the Finns another netted two goals in the second-half to record a 3-1 win.

Russia provided a stern test for the Irish with their physical style. Ireland had the majority of possession and created the better chances but were foiled in their attempts to break the deadlock.

With Amy Ryan, Gillian McDonnell and Aine McKeever to the fore for Ireland and Brenda Farrelly making an impact following her introduction as a substitute in the first-half, Ireland looked to be on their way to their first win of the week.

Ireland Goalkeeper Aisling Dyer had very little to do in the goal but the finishing let them down in front of goal.

“We need that killer instinct when it comes to putting away our chances,” admitted Morris-Burke. “The main thing is that we’re playing well and the Girls are stepping up to the mark at International level.”

Poland Tournament Results and Fixture:

Wednesday August 22nd, 2007
Republic of Ireland 1 – 3 Finland

Thursday August 23rd, 2007
Republic of Ireland 0 – 0 Russia

Saturday August 25th, 2007
Poland v Republic of Ireland


Republic of Ireland Squad:
Niamh Reid Burke - Raheny
Ciara Grant - Lagan Harps
Emer Flatley -Salthill Devon
Rebecca Walsh - Salthill Devon
Kelly Nolan - Bunclody
Karen Duggan - Piltown
Gillian McDonnell - Dundalk City WFC
Amy Ryan - Stella Maris
Lucy Hannon - Salthill Devon
Zoe Doherty - Carndonagh
Julie Ann Russell - Salthill Devon
Rachel Creighton – Bealnamulla, Athlone
Kate Flood - Dundalk WFC
Angela O’Mahony - Lakewood Athletic
Aine Mckeever - Killea FC
Aisling Dyer - Stella Maris
Brenda Farrelly - Salthill Devon
Nicole Munnelly - Malahide United

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