The Ireland Women's Under-19s fell to a 3-0 defeat to Portugal in an International Friendly in Setúbal.

In what was a first appearance at this level for several players, Dave Connell maximised this opportunity to test his squad ahead of upcoming UEFA European Championship Qualifiers.

Played in the afternoon heat in the Esatdio do Bonfim, the home side took the lead after 28 minutes and held that advantage going into the half-time break.

The double substitution of Athlone Town's Hazel Donegan and Bohemians forward Hannah O'Brien gave Ireland extra energy up front as they went in search of an equaliser.

Ultimately it was Portugal who took their chances as they scored again on 63 and 76 minutes to extend their lead and close out the contest.

Next up for the Girls in Green is another International Friendly against USA on Saturday, October 25th.

Ireland: Maeve Gayer; Lucy O’Rourke, Lillie Coulson (Lucy Fitzgerald 70), Clodagh Daly (Aibhlinn Cotter 70), Sophia Leonard; Finley Newell, Lauren Bowe (Hannah O'Brien 46); Maeve Wollmer (Emma Gaughran 56), Katie O’Reilly (Della Cowper Gray 56), Katie Lawlee; Anna Butler (Hazel Donegan 46).