Facing Scotland with their more open style of play is something Ireland can reap some benefits from in tonight's crucial World Cup play-off, according to RTÉ analyst Lisa Fallon.
On Thursday last, the Scots advanced past a fancied Austria side after extra-time to set up a Hampden Park clash with the Irish. For Fallon, however, the date with Pedro Martinez Losa's outfit is giving her cause for optimism.
"I have a really good feeling about this game," the FIFA high-performance coach told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
"I think Scotland are a slightly better opponent for Ireland in the way that they play. Austria are a team that like to sit in; they almost play the way Ireland play but Scotland will come out and play. The game then should be a bit more open and will suit the strengths of this Irish team, which is to be a little bit more defensive and structured and then counter-attack.
"I think we will get spaces and opportunities to counter-attack and play through Scotland, who will be a little bit more open than the Austrians would have been.
"I'm quietly confident and when you look across the squads and the players available, Ireland have a really, really good team. There is a lot of depth in the team, despite the countless number of injuries that are there.
"People have talked about tonight and whether it's about a good performance or a result? There is no denying - tonight is about a result. You do what you have to do to go and win tonight's game because it's a game-changer potentially for all these players and for women's football in Ireland."
A key player in the Scotland engine room is Erin Cuthbert, whom Fallon knows only too well after coaching her at Chelsea.
"If I could give an analogy, Erin is pretty much Scotland's Katie McCabe, so she has that work ethic off the ball. Erin will play in midfield alongside Caroline Weir and Sam Kerr.
"She is tenacious and fiery; she will niggle at you, get in your head and irritate you, a hard player to play against.
"She also has a lot of quality if she gets up around the opposition box and has the capacity to score goals from long range. A player with very good technique; she takes their set pieces.
"I'm sure Ireland will have a plan in place to negate her and not give her the time and place that she wants."
Watch Scotland v Republic of Ireland live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player on Tuesday from 7pm, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to live radio commentary on RTÉ 2fm's Game On.
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