Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson says Julie-Ann Russell’s late consolation goal in Friday’s 2-1 defeat by England is “huge” for the team’s belief.
Already relegated from League A in Euro 2025 qualifying, the Irish had yet to score in their opening four fixtures.
Alessia Russo’s early strike and Georgia Stanway’s penalty put the European champions in a comfortable position at Carrow Road.
Russell, making her first international appearance in four years, volleyed home in the 94th minute for a well-deserved consolation.
“The girls put in a great shift and to keep going until the 94th minute – the goal was huge for us,” Gleeson told RTE.
“It’s a very important goal.”
Courtesy of being in League A, the Irish are guaranteed a play-off in their bid to reach the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland next summer.
Russell’s goal helps the Republic’s goal difference as they look to improve their seeding ahead of the play-off draw on 19 July.
But the Irish made a bad start in Norwich as Arsenal forward Russo opened the scoring within five minutes.
Stanway converted a penalty in the 57th minute after Niamh Fahey brought Lauren Hemp down in the area.
“Obviously we conceded an early goal which is what we didn’t want to do,” Gleeson added.
“We had a bit of a shaky start but we settled.
“In the first half we weren’t really offering a lot up top. We got into good positions two or three times in the first half but the final quality wasn’t good enough.”
Gleeson introduced Russell and Liverpool forward Leanne Kiernan for fresh legs, and she said that had a “huge impact” on the game.
Russell got on the end of a flick-on by Caitlin Hayes to volley home as the Irish pressed for a consolation.
“They were energetic and they hassled,” Gleeson added.
“They were really positive changes, and I thought Aoife Mannion was solid and Megan Campbell came on. Yeah, the throw helps but they were great. It was really commendable from the girls.”
The Republic round out their qualifying campaign at home to France, who have already qualified, on Tuesday in Cork.