Republic of Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson is convinced Julie-Ann Russell's late consolation goal against England will be of "huge" importance as the Girls in Green plot a path through the Euro 2025 play-offs.
Gleeson's side were beaten 2-1 at Carrow Road on Friday night, their sixth loss on the bounce.
'The goal difference is huge - a very, very important goal'
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 12, 2024
Manager Eileen Gleeson was relieved to see Ireland breaking their Euro 2025 qualifier scoring duck late on against England #RTESport
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In truth it was very comfortable for the hosts, but Russell - making her first appearance in four years - did nick one back deep into stoppage time. Her hooked volley may prove to be very significant because the goal improves Ireland's overall ranking status, which feeds into the seeding system for the play-offs.
Ireland need to stay ahead of Poland in the rankings to ensure they hold onto seeded status. That would massively improve their chances of getting a kinder draw in the play-off final, assuming they negotiate a two-legged semi-final against a team from League C.
"Huge, it's huge," Gleeson told RTÉ Sport when asked about the Galway United attacker's effort.
"We spoke all week about the value of goals. Obviously we conceded an early goal which is what we didn't want to do, and had a bit of a shaky start, but I think once we got into it the girls put in a great shift. To keep going until the 94th minute... the goal is huge for us.
"We know we're in that race with Poland, who lost today (against Austria), so yeah the goal difference is huge. A very, very important goal."
Ireland were under immense pressure for the first 20 minutes before a defensive tweak helped them to find their feet. Two half-time subs also improved things: Russell and Leanne Kiernan offered much more pace and energy when they entered the fray.
"It wasn't data, it was our eyes," Gleeson said of the decision to make the double switch.
"We thought the first half that we weren't really offering enough up top. We probably got into good positions two or three times in the first half and then the final quality wasn't good enough. I think Leanne and Julie-Ann had a huge impact when they came on.
"They gave us runs, they were energetic, they hassled, harrassed. They were really positive changes.
"I coached Julie-Ann for a long time at club (level) and I know what Julie-Ann brings is work rate and energy, which is what we need in these games. She's prepared to hassle, she's prepared to double press, she's prepared to drop back and she's prepared to run and run and run. Leanne also did the same and it gave us an outlet."
Russell admitted her goal had a special meaning. The 33-year-old's one-year-old daughter Rosie spent time in the camp during the week when the squad was at their usual Castleknock Hotel base.
Rosie didn't fly across the Irish Sea for Friday's clash but she wasn't far from her mother's thoughts.
90 (+4)' - GOAL IRELAND
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 12, 2024
🏴2-1🇮🇪
Julie-Ann Russel has Ireland's first goal of these qualifiers with the last kick of the game at Carrow Road #RTESport
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"It was very emotional afterwards," said Russell. "She's at home and I can't wait to see her tomorrow to give her a big hug and a kiss. She had an absolute super time in Castleknock. She didn't make the trip to England but she'll be back into camp tomorrow down in Cork.
"I enjoy running, I enjoyed pressing them. We're disappointed with the loss but I think the goal is vital for the seedings.
"Since having Rosie I actually feel fitter and stronger since coming back from maternity leave. I'm feeling good. I just want to give everything to this team. It's been so welcoming since coming back. I'm just having the time of my life at the moment."
