Katie McCabe says the Republic of Ireland are full of belief they kick on and make a serious push to qualify for the World Cup after an incredibly hard-fought win in Finland on Tuesday evening.
Goals from Megan Connolly and Denise O'Sullivan edged a 2-1 victory for the Girls in Green, who had to withstand lengthy periods of pressure from the hosts.
Ireland - who lost their opening qualifier against Sweden last Thursday - are three points behind the Finns with a game in hand - with a home double-header against Georgia and Slovakia to come in November.
Those games represent an opportunity for Vera Pauw's team to leapfrog Finland and tighten their grip on second, which would earn a play-off place. The Swedes, ranked second in the world, are heavy favourites to top the group.
"We knew it was going to be very, very tough coming here," McCabe told RTÉ Sport.
"They had the ball at times it was an ugly win but we got the three points.
"It's the standards we set now. We've got belief we can carry it forward. We've two massive games next month - we've just got to build off this. Hopefully we can pack out Tallaght. We'll be looking forward to the fans coming to support us."
McCabe stepped back from free-kick duty in the first half to allow Connolly to try her luck. The Brighton midfielder delivered the goods with a terrific effort to break the deadlock.
"Megan backed herself," McCabe added. "I don't mind that. If you're confident then, well she stepped up and stuck it in the back of the net which I was obviously delighted with. We got herself in great positions at times and ultimately came away with the three points."
Paying tribute to the match-winner O'Sullivan, McCabe added: "She ran her socks off all game and I'm just delighted for her to get the winner in the end.
"Denise finished it off but Heather Payne ran her socks off tonight as well. There were brilliant performances in midfield from Jamie [Finn] and Megan. All in all we showed great character to come back."
