How the Ireland players rated in historic victory over France

Courtney Brosnan 8

It was an assured performance from Ireland’s number one. The Everton stopper dealt with a series of crosses and through balls and saved well from Delphine Cascarino right at the start of the second half. Appeared to lose her footing for the France goal, unfortunately.

Aoife Mannion 7

Playing at right wing-back, the Manchester United defender put in a great shift in a less-familiar position. While keeping Sandy Baltimore quiet before her substitution at half time, Mannion also began a couple of Ireland attacks with forward runs.

Caitlin Hayes 8

Celtic’s Caitlin Hayes has become a key player since making her bow 10 months ago and defended excellently throughout, while also causing a threat from set pieces. At 28, she is a latecomer to international football but should be a mainstay for several more years.

Anna Patten 7

Having made her Ireland debut back in April, the Aston Villa defender has slotted nicely into Ireland’s backline and put in a solid display. Although it appeared to go in off French defender Grace Geyoro, Patten was claiming Ireland’s third goal.

Louise Quinn 8

The veteran defender was restored to the starting line-up in place of Niamh Fahey after coming on late against England. Wicklow native Quinn may be in the latter stages of her career, but showed that she still has a huge amount to offer this team.

Jessica Ziu 8

The West Ham midfielder started at left wing-back and had to use her pace to snuff out a couple of French attacks in the first half. Gleeson then opted to move her into midfield in a swap with Katie McCabe. Ziu had a great opportunity to score early in the second half, but her effort was saved by Constance Picaud.

Ruesha Littlejohn 6

34-year-old Lilttlejohn is never shy to put herself about in midfield and did just that in the early stages of the game. The London Lionesses player appeared to run out of steam, however, and was substituted for Lily Agg on 54 minutes.

Denise O’Sullivan 8

Back in her hometown, O’Sullivan was her industrious self, while getting her head up to pick out the forward players with through balls on a number of occasions. She took her goal incredibly well with a stunning strike to open the scoring.

Katie McCabe 6

Ireland’s captain returned from a one-game suspension but didn’t have her best night. The Arsenal star had little impact in midfield before being moved to left wing-back just after the half-hour mark. Had a difficult time marking Delphine Cascarino at the start of the second half, but managed to steady the ship.

Leanne Kiernan 8

The Liverpool attacker brought energy when she was introduced at half-time at Carrow Road, which saw her named to start against the French. Kiernan ran herself into the ground and was really unlucky not to score, shooting at Picaud early on and losing her footing at the vital moment with 60 minutes played.

Julie-Ann Russell 9

After capping her first Ireland appearance in four years with a goal, the Galway native was rewarded with a start by manager Eileen Gleeson. Pressed constantly, gave Ireland an outlet with her pace, set up O’Sullivan for the opener and took her second goal in as many games wonderfully. Player of the match.

Eileen Gleeson 8

The Ireland manager opted to bring in Julie-Ann Russell and Leanne Kiernan and play 5-3-2 and it paid dividends as the pair caused France all sorts of problems. Her decision to start Katie McCabe in midfield didn’t work, but she realised that and switched things.

Substitutions

Lily Agg 7

Brought on in midfield for Ruesha Littlejohn on 54 minutes. Agg got stuck in with a number of big challenges and injected energy into the middle of the park.

Megan Connolly 6

The Cork native came on late on and sent in an inviting corner that was turned home for Ireland’s third goal.

Amber Barrett 5

Barrett was sent on for Jessica Ziu on 95 minutes and wasn’t given enough time to make an impression.