The Republic of Ireland U17 Women's team will face Georgia in the second match of their UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign in Belarus tomorrow at the Torpedo Stadium in Minsk.
While the Irish girls were recording an impressive 3-0 win over Group 9 hosts Belarus on Monday, Georgia were on the end of an 11-0 hiding by Finland. However, manager Dave Connell is only focused on winning tomorrow game and setting up a winner takes all clash with Finland on Saturday.
"Georgia looked a very young team but we cannot think about what happened to them against Finland. We have got to be focused on winning our next two games. We're looking for three points tomorrow and if that means a 1-0 win then I'll take it," said Connell.
The Irish Head Coach was delighted with the performance against Belarus on Monday and felt the game had panned out the way he had expected.
"We felt they would be tough to break down given they were the hosts and this was the first game in the group. They were up for it and played five across the middle and made it difficult for us but the girls played well and I was very pleased with the manner in which they went about it. We were patient and played some nice football even though it was very tight and compact."
One of the highlights of the Irish performance was two goals from vice-captain Megan Connolly to bring her international total to five goals in three games and Connell feels the College Corinthians striker, who attends Christ The King Girls Secondary School in Cork, is definitely one for the future.
"She is a very good kid and good footballer. She has been very consistent for us. She is a very good talent and could have a good future ahead of her if she continues to work hard."
Two players, Ciara Rossiter and Lauren Dwyer, sat out today's training session as they are nursing slight knocks but Connell admitted that he may rest them and others in a bid have them fresh for Friday's game against Finland. Tomorrow's game kicks-off at 1pm (Irish time)
Republic of Ireland Squad: Chelsea Noonan (Douglas Hall); Ciara McNamara (St Mary's Cork), Lauren Dwyer Wexford Ladies), Payton Goulding (Minnesota Thunder), Savannah McCarthy (C) (Listowel Celtic); Aisling Frawley (Tramore FC), Ciara Rossiter Wexford Ladies), Rebekah Carroll (Peamount United), Lisa Casserly (Castlebar Celtic), Amy O'Connor Wilton United); Megan Connolly (College Corinthians), Amber Barrett (Lagan Harps), Avril Brierley, Amy Corcoran (Peamount United), Keeva Keenan (WFTA), Megan Kelleher (Kilmallock), Sara McGeough (Castlebar Celtic), Megan Lynch (Shelbourne).
UEFA European Women's U17 Championship
Qualifying Round Group 9
Results
October 1: Republic of Ireland 3 Belarus 0, Finland 11 Georgia 0
Table
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
PTS |
GD |
| Finland |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
3 |
+11 |
| Rep of Ireland |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
+3 |
| Belarus |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
-3 |
| Georgia |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
-11 |
Remaining Fixtures
October 3: Republic of Ireland v Georgia, Belarus v Finland
October 6: Finland v Republic of Ireland, Georgia v Belarus
(All games kick-off at 1pm Irish time).
International 
