A first-half goal from Kyra Carusa got the Ireland Women's National Team off to a winning start in the UEFA Nations League as they beat Türkiye 1-0 in Tallaght Stadium.

In front of 8,071 spectators, Carla Ward celebrated victory on her debut as Head Coach with Ireland moving joint top of Group 2 in League B.

It was a scappy game but one that the Girls in Green ultimately came through to take the three points courtesy of Carusa's 10th WNT goal.

The San Diego Wave forward rose up inside the opposition's penalty area to connect with a cross from Heather Payne - who was making her 50th appearance - to head in.

Ward knows that her team will improve as the campaign rolls on but there was a lot to take from this, including a Sky Ireland Player of the Match performance from Denise O'Sullivan.

Next up is a clash with Slovenia in Koper to face the other team in the Group who won their opening game.

Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Aoife Mannion, Anna Patten, Megan Campbell (Caitlin Hayes 87), Katie McCabe; Ruesha Littlejohn (Megan Connolly 77), Denise O’Sullivan; Heather Payne, Marissa Sheva, Lucy Quinn (Abbie Larkin 62); Kyra Carusa (Amber Barrett 62).

Türkiye: Akgoz; Sakar, Hiz, Abrahamsson, Civelek; Topcu, Cal (Hankar 82); Keskin (Karagenc 90), Turkogly (Karabolot 71), Seker; Pekel (Icinozbebek 82).

Referee: Reka Molna (Hungary).