An early strike from Fanni Vachter put Ireland on the backfoot, but they hit back through Saoirse Noonan and Lauren Kelly to move top of Group 3 with two games left to play.

Having topped their group in the first phase of qualifying last October, Dave Bell's team had form in coming through tough games. So when they fell behind on 26 minutes they didn't panic.

Ireland continued to play their free-flowing attacking football and moving the ball forward at speed. It was something that Hungary struggled to cope with and that is when Noonan found a way through on 56 minutes to level the score.

Kelly, who had been introduced as a substitute just three minutes before, set up the captain to score that crucial goal. And on 80 minutes Kelly got one of her own when firing in after good work by Alex Kavanagh.

"Hungary were very dangerous on the counter attack, but we created 15 chances overall and on the balance of play deserved to win the game," said Bell.

"The girls deserve great respect for coming back from a goal down to get the result. We still have things to improve - myself as the coach included - but we're getting better and better all the time.

"I think this result will give the girls a lot of confidence, but they have a great team spirit anyway. They really do work hard for each other and that showed in their performance.

"We had around 40 family members and friends travel over to support the girls, which was fantastic and that gave the girls a big boost. Now, we have to get a result against Czech Republic and make the last game against France all to play for."

Reaching the finals tournament in Belarus was always the target for Bell once this qualifying campaign started and that may look within reach for many but he won't allow his squad to get carried away. There are still two tough games left to play and they are all that matter.

Next up is Monday's encounter with Czech Republic, who drew 1-1 with group hosts France in their game. With a strong team spirit, experienced coaching staff, and talented group of players, Ireland have everything needed to keep their run going.

Republic of Ireland: McAloon; O'Callaghan (Craven 71), Farrelly, Doyle, Green (O'Gorman 75); Noonan, Ruddy, Kavanagh; Payne, Homan (Kelly 53), Kiernan.

Hungary: Varga; Anda, Kovacs, Csigi, Pilan; Kiss, Pulins, Tolani, Csiki (Dorner 66); Zagonyi (Vasas 55); Vachter.

Referee: Hannelore Onsea (Belgium).

Fixtures
Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Monday, March 21, Flers, France, KO 6pm
Republic of Ireland v France, Thursday, March 24, Bayeux, France, KO 5:30pm

Dave Bell's team passed their first assignment with a 2-1 triumph over Hungary that left them top of Group 3 ahead of clashes with Czech Republic on Monday and France on Thursday.

The target is to qualify for this summer's finals tournament in Belarus and midfield ace Ruddy reckons that they have a great chance of achieveing that due to their team cohesion.

“We just seem to click on the pitch. I think our style of play suits the players that we have and everyone knows each other’s game, so it works really well for us,” explained Ruddy.

“I think our closeness off the pitch definitely helps. We keep saying it, but we really are like a family. And that goes for the staff too because they give us so much inspiration.

“It’s amazing to work with the coaches, especially Dave [Bell] because of how good he is as a coach. We have a winning mentality now because of him and it’s something that we want to maintain.”

Second-half goals from Saoirse Noonan and Lauren Kelly helped Ireland pick up the three points last Saturday, but it required a fight back after seeing Hungary take the lead.

“We were frustrated going in at half-time, but Dave told us that we had 40 minutes to get ourselves back into it if we really wanted to make it to the finals,” said Ruddy.

“We have belief in ourselves, we just had to keep working hard. So we rolled our sleeves up and proved that we were the better side by getting two goals and picking up the three points.”

Ruddy (pictured above with Alex Kavanagh) feels that they have simply overcome the first obstacle in the race to reach the finals and she is quick to acknowledge that there are two more still to come.

“We achieved what we set out to do in our first game by winning it. Now, we have to do the same thing against Czech Republic,” said Ruddy.

“To qualify for the finals would be a dream, but we are only focusing on our next game. We have always just taken it game by game and that is what we’re going to do in this group.”

Fixtures
Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Monday, March 21, Flers, France, KO 6pm
Republic of Ireland v France, Thursday, March 24, Bayeux, France, KO 5:30pm

Jonathan Walters was selected as the Senior International Player of the Year, Denise O'Sullivan won the Senior Women's International Player of the Year, and Robbie Brady picked up the Young International Player of the Year award.

Shane Long's memorable strike against Germany was voted as the Three International Goal of the Year, while Gerry Smith's Eastern Region team were honoured with the Special Merit award.

Former Ireland international forward Tony Cascarino was inducted into the Hall of Fame - becoming the sixth player from the EURO '88 & Italia '90 squads to be recognised.

Richie Towell was the winner of the SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year following an outstanding season with Dundalk, while ex-Italy international Gianluca Vialli was named as the International Personality of the Year.

Senior International Player of the Year
Jonathan Walters

Senior Women's International Player of the Year
Denise O'Sullivan

Young International Player of the Year
Robbie Brady

Three International Goal of the Year
Shane Long v Germany

Special Merit
Regions' Cup team

Hall of Fame
Tony Cascarino

International Personality of the Year
Gianluca Vialli

Under 21 International Player of the Year
Alan Browne

Under 19 International Player of the Year
Ryan Manning

Under 19 Women's International Player of the Year
Megan Connolly

Under 17 International Player of the Year
Connor Ronan

Under 17 Women's International Player of the Year
Amanda McQuillan

Under 16 International Player of the Year
Jayson Molumby (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Under 16 Women's International Player of the Year
Heather Payne (Salthill Devon)

Under 15 International Player of the Year
Lee O'Connor (Villa - Waterford)

SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year
Richie Towell (Dundalk)

Junior International Player of the Year
Jimmy Carr (St Michael's)

Intermediate Player of the Year
Kenneth Hoey (Rockmount)

FAI School's International Player of the Year
Connor Ellis (Colaiste Phobail)

Football For All International Player of the Year
Mark Duffy (Special Olympics Ireland)

Top Performer
Callum O’Dowda (Oxford United)
Two goals and a nomination for the International Under 21 Player of the Year capped off a fine weekend for this creative midfielder, who continues to improve with each game. Blessed with excellent close control and an eye for a pass, he is the type of player who makes things happen in the final third of the pitch.

Watch Out For
Alex O'Hanlon (Liverpool)
A fleet-footed winger who is at his best when attacking opposition defenders in one-on-one situations, O'Hanlon is someone who can be tough to keep quiet in games. He combines speed with skill so naturally and it is why he has done so well with Liverpool's underage teams.

Irish Manager Monitor
In the Championship, Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town lost 1-0 at home to Rotherham United, Brian McDermott's Reading drew 1-1 with Cardiff City, while Chris Hughton’s Brighton & Hove Albion won 2-1 away to MK Dons.

And in League Two, John Sheridan’s Newport County suffered a 4-1 loss at home to victory away to Bristol Rovers.

Further Afield
In the Eredivisie, Jack Byrne started for Cambuur Leeuwarden as they lost 1-0 to Roda JC, while in the A-League, Roy O’Donovan scored for Central Coast Mariners in their 2-2 draw with Sydney FC and Andy Keogh was on target for Perth Glory as they won 2-1 away to Wellington Phoenix, and in Cyprus, Cillian Sheridan scored the second goal for Omonia Nicosia in their 2-1 triumph over Nea Salamis.

Women’s Focus
In the Scottish Women’s Premier League, Savannah McCarthy and Ruesha Littlejohn started for Glasgow City in the 1-0 win over Celtic where Clare Shine got the goal.

Meanwhile in England’s FA Women’s Cup, Katie McCabe started for Arsenal Ladies as they overcame Birmingham City Ladies on penalties following a 1-1 draw, Stephanie Roche came off the bench for Sunderland Ladies in their 2-0 victory over Yeovil Town Ladies, Niamh Fahey started for Chelsea Ladies as they beat Doncaster Rovers Belles 4-1, Brighton & Hove Albion Women had Sophie Perry on the scoresheet but they lost 4-3 to Sporting Club Albion win over Blackburn Rovers Ladies, while Grace Moloney kept a clean sheet for Reading Women in their 2-0 victory over Millwall Lionesses with Lois Roche and Harriet Scott also featuring for the home side.

Denise O’Sullivan, who was named as the Senior Women's International Player of the Year, has joined Houston Dash in the NWSL following three years with Glasgow City, where she scored 39 goals in 64 games.

Weekend Stats

Premier League
14 appearances– Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Harry Arter, Eunan O’Kane (Bournemouth), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace), Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy (Everton), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Robbie Brady (Norwich City), Shane Long (Southampton), Stephen Ireland, Jonathan Walters, Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), John O’Shea (Sunderland), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion)
2 goalscorers– Robbie Brady (Norwich City), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City)
3 un-used substitutes– Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Joey O’Brien, Darren Randolph (West Ham United)
1 yellow card – Jonathan Walters (Stoke City)

Championship
25 appearances– Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Shane Duffy, Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Alan Judge, Alan McCormack (Brentford), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), Cyrus Christie, Jeff Hendrick, Richard Keogh (Derby County), Jonathan Douglas, Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Darren Potter (MK Dons), Greg Cunningham, Eoin Doyle (Preston North End), Simon Cox, Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn (Reading), Leon Best, Lee Frecklington, Stephen Kelly (Rotherham United), Aiden McGeady, Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Matt Doherty, Joe Mason (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
3 goalscorers– Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers), Eoin Doyle (Preston North End), Leon Best (Rotherham United)
1 clean sheet – Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday)
7 un-used substitutes– Jack Bonham (Brentford), Alex Pearce (Bristol City), Joe Murphy, Sean Scannell (Huddersfield Town), Kevin Foley (Ipswich Town), Paul Green, Paddy Kenny (Rotherham United)
5 yellow cards – Shane Duffy, Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), Richard Keogh (Derby County)

League One
25 appearances– Conor Hourihane (Barnsley), Colin Doyle (Blackpool), Billy Clarke, Josh Cullen (Bradford City), Damien McCrory, Callum Reilly (Burton Albion), Cian Bolger, John O’Sullivan (Bury), Connor Dimaio, Jay O’Shea (Chesterfield), Owen Garvan (Colchester United), Jimmy Ryan (Fleetwood Town), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall), Chris Forrester (Peterborough United), Sam Foley, Sam Kelly (Port Vale), Niall Canavan, Donal McDermott, Joe Rafferty (Rochdale), Stephen Dawson, Paddy Madden (Scunthorpe United), Conor Sammon (Sheffield United), Gary Deegan (Southend United), Anton Rodgers (Swindon Town), Liam Kinsella (Walsall)
1 goalscorer – Paddy Madden (Scunthorpe United)
12 un-used substitutes– Mark Yeates (Blackpool), Anthony O’Connor (Burton Albion), Louis Dunne (Colchester United), Stephen Hunt (Coventry City), Paul Keegan (Doncaster Rovers), Bradley Garmston, Emmanuel Osadebe (Gillingham), Graham Kelly (Sheffield United), Stephen McLaughlin (Southend United), David Forde, Shaun Williams (Millwall), Anthony Forde (Walsall)
4 yellow cards – Cian Bolger, John O’Sullivan (Bury), Joe Rafferty (Rochdale), Anton Rodgers (Swindon Town)

League Two
26 appearances– Seamus Conneely (Accrington Stanley), Rory Gaffney (Bristol Rovers), Charles Dunne, Shamir Fenelon, Liam McAlinden, Lanre Oyebanjo, Frankie Sutherland (Crawley Town), Jake Carroll (Hartlepool United), Glen Rea, Alan Sheehan (Luton Town), Sean Kavanagh (Mansfield Town), Jamie Devitt, Barry Roche (Morecambe), Mark Byrne, Conor Wilkinson (Newport County), James Collins, Brendan Moloney, John-Joe O’Toole (Northampton Town), Callum O’Dowda (Oxford United), Graham Carey, Carl McHugh (Plymouth Argyle), Michael Doyle, Enda Stevens (Portsmouth), Rhys Murphy (AFC Wimbledon), Michael Harriman (Wycombe Wanderers), Kevin Dawson (Yeovil Town)
4 goalscorers– James Collins, John-Joe O’Toole (Northampton Town), Callum O’Dowda [2] (Oxford United), Rhys Murphy (AFC Wimbledon)
5 un-used substitutes– Clinton Morrison (Exeter City), Graham Burke, Ronan Murray (Notts County), James Berrett, Kenny McEvoy (York City)
5 yellow cards – Jake Carroll (Hartlepool United), Glen Rea (Luton Town), Mark Byrne (Newport County), John-Joe O’Toole (Northampton Town), Enda Stevens (Portsmouth)
1 red card – Barry Roche (Morecambe)

National League
4 appearances– Conor Clifford (Boreham Wood), Sean Long (Braintree Town), Alan Power (Lincoln City), Mark O’Brien (Southport)
6 un-used substitutes– Sean McGinty (Aldershot Town), Josh O’Keefe (Altrincham), Jack Connors (Boreham Wood), Harry Crawford (Dover Athletic), Ritchie Branagan, Neill Byrne (Macclesfield Town)

FA Trophy
3 appearances– Padraig Amond, Pat Hoban, James McKeown (Grimsby Town)
1 goalscorer – Padriag Amond [2] (Grimsby Town)

Scottish Premiership
7 appearances– Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen), Darren O’Dea (Dundee), Gavin Gunning (Dundee United), Richie Foran (Inverness CT), Gary Dicker (Kilmarnock), Graham Cummins, Joe Shaughnessy (St Johnstone)
2 un-used substitutes– Willo Flood (Aberdeen), Sean Dillon (Dundee United)

MLS
2 appearances– Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)
1 goalscorer – Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)

*Only players still eligible to represent Republic of Ireland teams appear on this list

The thoughts and prayers of the football community are with the Daniels and McGrotty family at this tragic time.

The sympathies of the Association also go to former Finn Harps footballer Davitt Walsh and the other members of the public who made attempts to rescue the family members tragically lost in the accident.

Action from yesterday's training session where goalkeeper Darren Randolph scored a stunning diving header.

Ireland head to Poland this weekend looking to secure their place in the UEFA Finals for the second year in succession. The tournament will be held in Azerbaijan this year.

In the elite round, the group winners and seven runners-up with the best record against the teams that finish first and third in their section advance to the finals to join the hosts.

"The Elite Phase is always highly competitive and this year will be no different," said Mohan.

"We seem to get Serbia almost every year and they proved by winning the U20 World Cup last year how good they are at producing players. They're a big strong powerful side and we know what to expect and have to be well prepared for our first game in the group.

"Montenegro are a very well organised side too and came out of a tough group to get here. We played Poland last year and we know their quality. It'll be interesting and we're facing quality opponents in each game.

"I've been well impressed with how our players have performed this season. We came out of a tough qualifying round in Sweden where we just conceded one goal and topped our group.

"Players like Anthony Scully, Aaron O'Driscoll and Thomas O'Connor have returned from injuries that hampered them earlier in the campaign while unfortunately we lost James Finnerty and Joe Keaveny through injuries in recent times.

" We've put in a lot of work this year through looking at games, hosting home-based games, holding a training camp for UK-based players and looking to identify players for this level.

"There are good young players coming through in this country and a lot of work is being done to develop them. We will continue to produce to good players."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U17 SQUAD:

Mark Travers (Unattached)

Paul Martin (St Patrick's Athletic)

Anthony Scully (West Ham United)

Aaron O'Driscoll (Man City)

Jayson Molumby (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Thomas Byrne (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Thomas O'Connor (Southampton)

Rian O'Sullivan (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion)

Daniel McKenna (Wolves)

Tyreke Wilson (Man City)

Canice Carroll (Oxford Utd)

Lukas Browning (IF Brommapojkarna )

Declan Rice (West Ham United)

Stephen Mallon (Sheffield Utd)

Lee O'Connor (Villa FC, Waterford)

Michael Murphy (Shelbourne)

Glen McAuley (Liverpool)

FIXTURES

Monday, March 28

UEFA U17 Championships Elite round Group 7

Republic of Ireland v Serbia, MZOS Znicz, Pruszkow (POL) (2.00pm)

Wednesday, March 30

UEFA U17 Championships Elite round Group 7

Republic of Ireland v Montenegro, Stadion ROSRRiT Siedlce, Siedlce (POL) (1.00pm)

Saturday, April 2

UEFA U17 Championships Elite round Group 7

Poland v Republic of Ireland, MZOS Znicz, Pruszkow (POL) (5.00pm)

This game is an opportunity for the Irish to prepare for next season's UEFA U19 Championships 2017 qualifiers which will commence in October when Ireland travel to Albania to face the hosts, Gibraltar and Germany seeking to qualify for the Elite Phase.

"It's a good game for the players born in 1998. We had the games against the Czech Republic before Christmas and we've a lot of similar players involved plus some new ones," said Doolin.

"They played each other in the UEFA U17 Finals in Bulgaria last year but both sides have a few new faces involved. It'll be a tough game and good test for the players.

"We'll prepare, train and do the analysis the same way as we would for a competitive game. I wouldn't expect anything less from myself or the staff. It's an opportunity for players to get a good experience at this level of the game."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U18 SQUAD:

David Craddock (Aberdeen)

Eric Donnelly (St Patricks Athletic)

Tom Cadman (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Corey O’Keeffe (Birmingham City)

Louis Dunne (Colchester United)

Shane Hanney (Shamrock Rovers)

Jonathan Lunney (Preston North End)

Conor Levingston (Wolves)

Daniel Mandriou (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Conor Masterson (Liverpool)

Connor Ronan (Wolves)

Zachary Elbouzedi (West Bromwich Albion)

Sam Ward (Huddersfield Town)

Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers)

Michael O’Connor (Dundalk)

Liam Brady (Stevenage)

Jamie Aherne (St Patricks Athletic)

Gerry McDonagh (Nottingham Forest)

Conor Kane (St Patricks Athletic)

Conor Davis (Reading)

FIXTURE

Sunday, March 26

U18 International Friendly

England v Republic of Ireland, St George's Park (12.30pm)

Italy are unbeaten after their opening five games while Ireland have picked up nine points from as many games.

The Irish began their group with three successive victories before suffering an unfortunate 1-0 loss to the Italians in Vicenza last October then they suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to Lithuania in November.

“This is a big game which we are really looking forward to,” said Irish Head Coach Noel King.

“We put a good performance in against Italy in Vicenza and we know they have many players with a lot of experience of Serie A football but it’s a challenge we’re ready for. We hope the Waterford public gets behind us.”

Jack Byrne will link up with the U21 squad having trained with the senior squad in Dublin this week and King is happy that the senior management team has shown such interest in his squad.

“A pleasing feature for the U21s over the past couple of years has been the interest shown from Martin O’Neill and his staff in attending our games,” said King.

“It’s a great boost to the players to see them present and the recent invitation to Jack Byrne and Alan Browne to training with the senior squad shows that opportunity exists for everyone.”

Italy coach Luigi Di Biagio has seen Juventus defender Daniele Rugani drafted into the senior squad and has added Bari winger Kingsley Boateng to his selection.

Ireland's goalkeeper coach is Carlo Cudicini and he is looking forward to facing his compatriots.

"It is a strong Italy U21 squad and they are highly regarded at home. The number of players with Serie A experience is quite high and they naturally benefit from that," said Cudicini.

"They are the favourites in the group but the performance we put into the game in Vicenza gave us real confidence. We defended very well that day and had chances on the counter-attack but just didn't take them.

"We've two difficult games this week with Italy and then over to Slovenia, who've done good work in developing young players recently, but we feel we can get back in the group with some good results."

In opposition will be Vladimir Petković and his Switzerland side who will similarly commence their preparations for France on Friday night.

Recent meetings between the two countries have always been tight encounters but you have to go back to 1992 for Ireland’s last win against the Swiss. 

This fixture has seen 21 players make their debuts for the Republic of Ireland over the years, a list Martin O’Neill could add to on Friday with Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes, Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane, Brentford’s Alan Judge, and Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty in contention.

Prior to kick-off, a 1916 Commemoration Ceremony will take place on the pitch at 19:30. Following that, National Colour Party from the 7th Infantry Battalion, based at Cathal Brugha Barracks will lead the teams out of the tunnel.

In attendance on the night as guests of the Football Association of Ireland will be 250 1916 relatives, including the grandnephew of Oscar Traynor. A further 250 relatives will be guests at Tuesday's game against Slovakia. Students from Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun, will recite an excerpt from the Proclamation before the All-Island Peace Choir sing the National Anthems. A special match programme has also been produced for the occasion with Oscar Traynor featuring on the cover. 

Ticket sales for Friday's game have now passed the 37,000 mark while all food and beverage outlets will be open with full service throughout the stadium.

Remaining tickets can be purchased for the game from Ticketmaster HERE. Alternatively, Ticketmaster vans will be located at the corner of Northumberland and Pembroke Road (sales only) and one van will be in the Ballsbridge Hotel car park (sales and collections) from 3pm on Friday. 

For further information check out FAI.ie and don't forget to follow our official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts to hear the latest news first. 

With a win and a defeat to date, the Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17's face a crucial tie with France this evening. Following a positive start thanks to a come-from-behind win over Hungary in the first game, the Girls in Green went down in the second game 1-0 to Czech Republic with a last-gasp goal breaking Irish hearts. 

Heading into this evening's game, Ireland will be pressing for a win to have a chance of claiming the top spot in the group, and ultimately qualification to this summer's finals tournament in Belarus. 

The action gets underway in Bayeux at 5.30pm and live updates will available on the official FAIreland Twitter account.

Republic of Ireland 1-4 Italy

Noel King’s side began positively and took the lead through a 16th minute own goal but the visitors reacted well to turn the game around.

After a narrow loss in the reverse fixture in Vicenza last October, Ireland were seeking a more positive result against their Italian counterparts this time out.

The visitors were the brighter of the two sides in the early exchanges, but some high pressure and resolute defending from the Irish kept the group leaders at bay.

Ireland had a golden opportunity to take the lead on 13 minutes. A lovely turn and shot from winger Callum O’Dowda was well saved by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Harry Charsley failed to convert the rebound after a goalmouth scramble.

The Irish found confidence and took the lead on 16 minutes. A free kick played in low by Jack Byrne on the left hand side bounced off the shin of the unfortunate defender Rolando Mandragora, who could only watch on as the ball trickled into the bottom corner.

Ireland almost doubled their advantage just three minutes later with a quick counter attack led by Conor Wilkinson. He attempted to catch the keeper out with a speculative effort from the half way line which he could only slice into the path of O’Dowda, who put his effort narrowly wide of the keeper’s left hand post.

Italy came within inches of an equaliser on 25 minutes. The ball broke to Danilo Cataldi at the edge of the area, and his curling effort was destined for the top corner only for a sensational save from Daniel Rogers kept the home side in front.

The Italian persistence paid off on 28 minutes. A beautifully lofted diagonal pass from Gaetano Monachello found Marco Benassi in the box and he caught the ball sweetly on the volley to direct his effort past Rogers in the Ireland goal.

A brilliant sweeping move from the Azzurri on 36 minutes led to Monachello being given plenty of time on the right wing to pick out his cross, and he found striker Valerio Rosseti dashing into the area, who duly headed home Monachello’s cross.

The second period started slower than the first, with both sides treading cautiously for different reasons. The visitors then grew in confidence and on 58 minutes, they doubled their advantage.

Ireland failed to react to a quick free kick from Danilo Cataldi, playing a short ball down the left to full back Antonio Barreca, who’s first time cross found the feet of Alessio Romagnoli, and the defender made no mistake in finding the bottom corner.

On 73 minutes, the home side came close to halving the deficit. A corner by Kevin O’Connor was whipped into a dangerous area, the keeper came to claim but dropped the cross at the feet of Conor Wilkinson, who could only lift his shot over the crossbar.

Ireland came even closer to a lifeline two minutes later. A terrific free kick from Jack Byrne was whipped towards the penalty spot. Brian Lenihan managed to beat the offside trap, but couldn’t beat the Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma with his bullet header, as the man mountain produced a magnificent point blank save.

Despite all of Ireland’s attacking pressure in the second half, Italy wrapped up the game on 82 minutes. A free kick crossed in from the right hand side was headed back towards goal by earlier goalscorer Cataldi. His header found defender Romagnoli who’s shot hit the post, it then came back out and cannoned off skipper Darragh Lenihan which unfortunately found its way into his own net.

Despite a heavy loss to a classy Italian outfit, there were plenty of positives for Noel King’s side to take into their final four qualifiers this campaign.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Daniel Rogers, Brian Lenihan, Jack Connors, Glen Rea, Niall Keown, Darragh Lenihan, Harry Charsley (Brandon Miele 72), Kevin O'Connor (Sean Hoare 72), Conor Wilkinson, Jack Byrne (Seán Maguire 84), Callum O'Dowda.

ITALY: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Andrea Conti, Antonio Barreca, Rolando Mandragora, Mattia Caldara, Alessio Romagnoli, Danilo Cataldi (Luca Mazzitelli 77), Marco Benassi, Valerio Rosseti, Domenico Berardi (Luca Garritano 65), Gaetano Monachello (Federico Ricci 85).

REPORT BY LEE DUFFY

An early strike from Leanne Kiernan gave Ireland their second win from three Elite Phase qualifiers and it was thoroughly deserved from the performance that they produced.

There was a mark of class about this particular team from the first time that Dave Bell assembled them and that was evident again in Bayeux, France as they overcame their hosts.

A strong and vocal group of Irish supporters cheered the team on, but the players needed little added inspiration because a place at the finals in Belarus was up for grabs.

Following an opening victory over Hungary, Bell's team sat top of Group 3 before slipping to a late defeat to Czech Republic. Therefore, only victory over France would keep them in the hunt.

Ireland certainly did their job with Kiernan supplying the goal on 21 minutes following a period of pressure. It was a goal that stunned their opponents and gave Ireland an advantage that they never let go of.

The positive approach, the attacking play, and the admirable commitment displayed by each of the players helped the team to cap off their Elite Phase qualifying with their heads held high.

RepublicofIreland: McAloon; O'Callaghan, Farrelly, Doyle, Craven; Noonan, Ruddy (Reybet-Degat 57), Kavanagh; Payne, Homan, Kiernan.

France: Joly; Drozo (Rey 72), Goetsch, Enguehard, Rebours; Rueda (Khelifi 53), Gillet; Laplacette, Boussaha, Canon; Ikene (Cochelin 30).

Referee: Tess Petersson (Sweden).

It is now just one defeat in 11 games for manager Martin O’Neill’s side ahead of Tuesday’s second friendly of this double bill when Slovakia visit Dublin 4.

The one sour note to the evening, however, was an injury to striker Kevin Doyle who was taken off on a stretcher midway through the first half with a deep cut to his lower left leg.

As anticipated in the build up to the game, O’Neill gave a debut to Brentford’s goalscoring midfielder Alan Judge while Blackburn Rovers central defender Shane Duffy also started to make his second appearance for his country.

In the absence of Robbie Keane and John O’Shea, right-back Seamus Coleman donned the captain’s armband.

On the front foot from Czech referee Miroslav Zelinka’s opening whistle, Ireland had the perfect start as they scored what would prove the game’s only goal scarcely two minutes in.

Duffy met left-back Robbie Brady’s second corner of the match to send a header goalward where central defensive partner Clark nipped in to power the ball past keeper Yann Sommer with his head from very close range for his second goal for his country.

The Swiss, runner-up to England in their EURO2016 qualifying group, settled and had a chance to level on nine minutes. Granit Xhaka set up Blerim Džemaili to shoot, but the Genoa midfielder got right under the ball to balloon it way over Darren Randolph’s crossbar.

A series of corners almost saw Ireland go further ahead as Doyle had a shot cleared off the line from an Aiden McGeady delivery two minutes later.

But there was another let off for the Boys in Green back at the other on 16 minutes. Haris Seferović got a glancing header to Džemaili’s corner to send the ball not far over the bar.

Six minutes later Doyle went down in the Swiss penalty area following a clash with defender Timm Klose. Promptly assessed by team doctor Alan Byrne, the Colorado Rapids striker was treated on the pitch before being taken off on a stretcher to be replaced by Daryl Murphy.

After a four-minute stoppage, the game restarted with Randolph having to show good reflexes to keep the Swiss out on 34 minutes. A shot from Xhaka deflected off Seferović with the Ireland keeper adjusting well to gather.

Ireland were then inches from doubling their lead two minutes later.

Coleman’s sublime ball in from the right with his left foot was met by Shane Long whose header bounced down off the underside of the crossbar.

Judge then got his first sight of goal three minutes before the interval, his back post header from Brady’s corner flashing narrowly wide.

There was a little more urgency to Switzerland’s play on the resumption with the impressive Clark forced into a superb last-ditched tackle on Breel Embolo as the winger raced onto a through ball from Džemaili ten minutes in.

O’Neill made three changes just past the hour mark, which included debuts for midfielders Eunan O’Kane and Jonathan Hayes.

A series of further substitutions on both sides disrupted the flow of the game as openings dwindled at either end.

Switzerland perhaps had their best chance of an equaliser on 83 minutes when, following a mix-up in the Ireland defence, substitute Shani Tarashaj saw his shot from the edge of the area deflected wide off team-mate Embolo.

In the final action of the game, Ireland’s O’Kane came close to marking his first appearnace with a goal right on 90 minutes. 

Displaying astute awareness to intercept a sloppy pass from Swiss substitute Gélson Fernandes, the Bournemouth man ran on to curl his shot just wide of Sommer's left-hand post.

RepublicofIreland: Randolph; Coleman (c), Duffy, Clark, Brady; Judge, Meyler (O’Kane 61), Quinn (McCarthy 62), McGeady (Hayes 61); Long (McClean 84), Doyle (Murphy 26; Hoolahan 79).

Switzerland: Sommer; Lang (Widmer 82), Schär, Klose, Rodriguez (Moubandje 78); Behrami (c) (Fernandes 72), Xhaka; Mehmedi (Kasami 71), Džemaili (Tarashaj 72), Embolo; Seferović (Steffen 62).

Referee: Miroslav Zelinka (Czech Republic).

Darren Randolph praises the performance of the back four while also discussing the his view on the players who made their debuts. 

Match winner Ciaran Clark hails the performance of Shane Duffy and mentions that the clean sheet is particularly pleasing from a centre half's point of view.

Doolin has opted to step down as Irish U19s international team Head Coach after six years in the role and is looking to sign off his spell on the international scene on a high note in a game, which is being played behind closed doors.

"Everything has been good since we got the squad together. We've had a couple of sessions and will prepare for this fixture like we would any other international," said Doolin.

"It's probably a little bit strange for me as I won't be going forward with the team but it gives the players another chance to work together as they go forward to next year's UEFA qualifiers under the next coach.

"Looking back at the Czech Republic games we played at the end of last year I felt we did very well the first day in particular and even in the second game we did well enough.

"It's good to get the players in and test themselves against a good level England side. The players faced each other in the UEFA U17s last year and there's no doubt that England have a lot of talent at this age group.

"But the friendlies have always been about getting performances. It's all part of the build-up to competitive football and we are always aiming for certain things from the players.

"We've trained and looked at this game as seriously as any other and the objective tomorrow is to perform well.

"I've had a long time in the role and we've played a lot of matches over those six years. I feel that we've improved a lot of players over that time. Whatever decisions we’ve made over that time, the aim has always been to improve players and the teams we've worked with. Hopefully we can finish up with a good display tomorrow."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U18 SQUAD:

David Craddock (Aberdeen)

Eric Donnelly (St Patricks Athletic)

Tom Cadman (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Corey O’Keeffe (Birmingham City)

Louis Dunne (Colchester United)

Shane Hanney (Shamrock Rovers)

Jonathan Lunney (Preston North End)

Conor Levingston (Wolves)

Daniel Mandriou (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Conor Masterson (Liverpool)

Connor Ronan (Wolves)

Zachary Elbouzedi (West Bromwich Albion)

Sam Ward (Huddersfield Town)

Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers)

Michael O’Connor (Dundalk)

Liam Brady (Stevenage)

Jamie Aherne (St Patricks Athletic)

Gerry McDonagh (Nottingham Forest)

Conor Kane (St Patricks Athletic)

Conor Davis (Reading)

FIXTURE

Sunday, March 26

U18 International Friendly

England v Republic of Ireland, St George's Park (12.30pm)

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Galway United v Bohemians, Eamonn Deacy Park, 14:00

Wexford Youths v Derry City, Ferrycarrig Park, 17:00

Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers, Carlisle Grounds, 19:30

Finn Harps v Longford Town, Finn Park, Ballybofey, 20:00

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Shelbourne v Drogheda United,Tolka Park, 19:00

Cobh Ramblers   v UCD, St. Colman's Park, 19:15

Athlone Town v  Limerick, Athlone Town Stadium, 19:45

Cabinteely v Waterford United, Stradbrook, 19:45

Continental Tyres Women’s National League

Shelbourne Ladies v Peamount United, Morton Stadium, 19:00

Galway WFC v UCD Waves, Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway, 19:30

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

Continental Tyres Women’s National League

Cork City WFC v Wexford Youths, Bishopstown Stadium, Cork, 14:00

U18 International Friendly

England v Republic of Ireland, St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent (ENG), 12:00 (Behind closed doors).

MONDAY, MARCH 28

UEFA U21 European Championship Group 2

Slovenia v Republic of Ireland, ŠRC Bonifika Stadium, Koper (SVN), 17:00 (Irish Time)

UEFA U17 European Championship Elite Round Group 7

Republic of Ireland v Serbia, MZOS Znicz Stadium, Pruszkow (POL), 14:00 (Irish Time)

EA SPORTS CUP

Pool 1: Waterford United v Rockmount, RSC, 14:00

TUESDAY, MARCH 29

Three International Friendly

Republic of Ireland v Slovakia, Aviva Stadium, 19:45 (Live on Setanta Sports)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30

UEFA U17 European Championship Elite Round Group 7

Republic of Ireland v Montenegro, ROSRRiT Siedlce Stadium, Siedlce (POL) 13:00 (Irish Time)

Continental Tyres Women’s National League Shield Final

Wexford Youths v Shelbourne Ladies, Ferrycarrig Park, 19:30

Continental Tyres Women’s National League Cup Group A

Cork City WFC v UCD Waves, Cork IT, 19:30

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Bohemians v Longford Town, Dalymount Park, 19:45        

Dundalk v Derry City, Oriel Park, 19:45 (Live on RTE2)

Finn Harps v St. Patrick's Athletic, Finn Park, Ballybofey, 20:00       

Shamrock Rovers v Galway United, Tallaght Stadium, 20:00            

Wexford Youths v Bray Wanderers, Ferrycarrig Park, 20:00             

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Drogheda United v Cabinteely, United Park, 19:45              

UCD v Athlone Town, The UCD Bowl, 19:45          

Waterford United v Cobh Ramblers, RSC,19:45    

Schools International U15 Girls’ Bob Docherty Tournament

Wales v Republic of Ireland, Dragon Park, Newport (WAL), 6pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

UEFA U17 European Championship Elite Round Group 7

Poland   v Republic of Ireland, Pruszkow MZOS Znicz Stadium, Warsaw (POL), 18:00.

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Sligo Rovers v Cork City, The Showgrounds, 19:45              

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Limerick v Shelbourne, Market’s Field, 18:30         

Continental Tyres Women’s National League

Peamount United v Castlebar Celtic, Greenogue, 19:30     

Wexford Youths v Kilkenny United, Ferrycarrig Park, 19:30              

SSE Airtricity U19 League Northern Division

Bohemians v Derry City,  Blanchardstown IT, 14:00

Dundalk v Shelbourne, Oriel Park, 14:00

Finn Harps v Athlone Town, Finn Park, 14:00

Longford Town v St Patrick’s Athletic, City Calling Stadium, 14:00

SSE Airtricity U19 League Southern Division

Shamrock Rovers v Cabinteely, AUL, 12:00

Cork City v Wexford Youths, Bishopstown Stadium, 14:00

Galway United v Cobh Ramblers, Eamon Deacy Park, 14:00

Waterford United v UCD, RSC, 14:00

SSE Airtricity U17 League Northern Division

Derry City v Longford Town, Brandywell Stadium, 14:00

Athlone Town v  Finn Harps, Athlone Town Stadium, 14:00

Sligo Rovers v Bohemians, The Showgrounds, 14:00

SSE Airtricity U17 League Southern Division

Salthill Devon v  Cabinteely, Drom, 14:00

Mervue United   v Cork City, Fahy's Field, 14:00

Schools International U15 Girls’ Bob Docherty Tournament

Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland, Dragon Park, Newport (WAL), 2pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

Continental Tyres Women’s National League

Cork City WFC v Galway WFC, Bishopstown Stadium, 14:00            

SSE Airtricity U19 League Northern Division

Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United, The Showgrounds, 14:00

SSE Airtricity U19 League Southern Division

Bray Wanderers v Limerick, Carlisle Grounds, 14:00.

SSE Airtricity U17 League Northern Division

Drogheda United v Dundalk, United Park, 14:00

St Patrick’s Athletic v Monaghan-Cavan FP, IT Blanchardstown, 14:00

SSE Airtricity U17 League Southern Division

Wexford Youths v Shamrock Rovers, Ferrycarrig Park, 14:00

Limerick v Cobh Ramblers, St Colman’s Park, 14:00

Bray Wanderers v Kerry, Sallynoggin, 14:00

UCD v Waterford United, AUL, 14:00

Schools International U15 Girls’ Bob Docherty Tournament

Positional Play-Offs, Newport Stadium, Newport (WAL), 11:00

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

UEFA Women's U19 European Championship Elite Round Group 1

Germany v Republic of Ireland, Tallaght Stadium   , Dublin, 19.30hrs

Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor Girls National Cup Semi Final

Moville Community College v Athlone Community College, The Peace Link, Clones, 13:00.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

International U16 Friendly

Republic of Ireland v Turkey, Home Farm FC, Dublin, 19:00.

Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor Boys National Cup Final

Douglas Community School vs St. Kieran’s College Kilkenny, RSC, Waterford, 13:00

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 Qualifying Round Group 2

Montenegro v Republic of Ireland, Pod Malim Brdom Stadium, Petrovac     (MNE) 13:00

UEFA Women's U19 European Championship Elite Round Group 1

Republic of Ireland v Azerbaijan, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin, 19:30.

All fixtures correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

Republic of Ireland players Jonathan Walters and Daryl Murphy are set to return to their clubs over the weekend for assessment and management of injuries.

Kevin Doyle will stay with Irish squad for the ongoing medical management of an injury which was suffered during the first half of the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 win over Switzerland last night.

The Colorado Rapids striker is currently recovering from surgery to an injured shin and will require a number of days of assessment before flying back to the USA.

Noel King's side suffered a 4-1 loss to Group 2 leaders Italy in Waterford on Thursday but the Irish can get back in the hunt for second spot and an opportunity to reach one of the four play-off spots with a win over the Slovenians.

The nine group winners qualify automatically. The four runners-up with the best record against the teams that finish first, third, fourth and fifth in their sections advance to the play-offs.

"We're still in with a chance of finishing second. Slovenia are a very good side and have had some good results themselves and it’s a difficult test but we're going into the game looking to get three points out of it," said King.

"This group was never going to be easy with the quality of teams in it. Slovenia are a very talented side without having the international reputation of a side like Italy but they do cause teams problems.

"It's a game that both sides will feel that they have a chance of winning."

Chesterfield's former U19 international midfielder Connor Dimaio has joined the squad Brighton defender Glen Rea was forced out through suspension while Shamrock Rovers midfielder Brandon Miele was unable to travel and has been replaced by Bray Wanderers winger Dylan Connolly. Josh Cullen, Alan Browne and Tommie Hoban had all previously been ruled out through injury.

"There's been a couple of enforced changes so there's opportunities there for Dylan Connolly, who has come back in and we know well, and Connor Dimaio who was born in 1996 so he's three more years at this age group. We've four players who are in the group now with three years at this level ahead of them," said King.

The Irish boss was pleased to see the recent progress to senior international level of some of his former U21 squad members Shane Duffy and Eunan O'Kane but insists that he wants to balance the developmental aspect of U21 level with a desire to record victories and ultimately qualify for finals tournaments.

"We've had a good success rate of players going on to the senior squad and we'd like to continue that. Development and performance are key to every player and progressing them on is a huge issue that we focus on with every player," he said.

"However, I've never gone into a game just saying we're here to develop players, we also want to develop a winning mentality and you do that by winning. The competitive games are a great assessment of how players are progressing so that's important for their development too. It's also important for the country that we do win games and keep seedings up and win whenever we possibly can.

"There are players who've come through the process. How much influence you have on that I can't say. Sometimes you may convince them to come on board for Ireland, sometimes they may have come through on their own anyway. It's hard to say so I'm not staking any claims on anybody. We'll keep on doing what we do, keep on looking for players and look to develop the players that we have.

"All of that is while we try to win games and we were in a very difficult game the other day against Italy. We played reasonably well and created some chances but we weren't clinical enough and the Italians were very good in that aspect, albeit we assisted them with the concession of some of their scores and that can be the case with any team and particularly at this age group."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U21 SQUAD:

Ian Lawlor (Manchester City – on-loan to Bury)

Danny Rogers (Aberdeen – on-loan to Falkirk)

Brian Lenihan (Hull City)

Jack Connors (Dagenham - on-loan to Borehamwood)

Niall Keown (Reading)

Sean Hoare (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Kevin O’Connor (Cork City)

Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers)

Harry Charsley (Everton)

Jack Byrne (Manchester City – on-loan to Cambuur)

Callum O’Dowda (Oxford United)

Conor Wilkinson (Bolton Wanderers – on-loan to Portsmouth)

Josh Barrett (Reading)

Shane Griffin (Reading)

Sean Maguire (Cork City)

Sean Long (Reading - on-loan to Braintree Town)

Dylan Connolly (Bray Wanderers)

Connor Dimaio (Chesterfield)

FIXTURE

Monday, March 27

UEFA U21 Championships Group 2

Slovenia v Republic of Ireland, ŠRC Bonifika, Koper (SVN) (5.00pm Irish)

Tom Mohan's side qualified for the finals at this age group last year and would relish an opportunity to repeat that feat in this campaign.

Serbia have a great reputation in underage football but Mohan is more than confident that his Irish squad are up to the challenge to come this week.

“We’ve faced Serbia almost every year since I was involved with Ireland. They’ve always been hard battles and everyone knows that they produce good players but we’ve always been competitive against them," said Mohan.

“We have to approach it like we have with every game this season and try to win it but we have to be hard to play against without the ball. We’ve been good in attacking sense all season so I see no reason why we can't continue that.

“The boys are enthusiastic about the challenge ahead. These players are hungry to emulate what last year’s group did and have a real desire to reach the finals.

"We’ve good quality players in our squad and just as importantly they have a good spirit. It’s another level up from the qualifying phase and we know the level is higher but we can perform at this level."

The Irish trained today with West Ham's Declan Rice the only concern with a throat complaint but Mohan expects to be at full strength for the clash with the Serbs.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U17 SQUAD:

Mark Travers (Unattached)

Paul Martin (St Patrick's Athletic)

Anthony Scully (West Ham United)

Aaron O'Driscoll (Man City)

Jayson Molumby (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Thomas Byrne (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Thomas O'Connor (Southampton)

Rian O'Sullivan (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion)

Daniel McKenna (Wolves)

Tyreke Wilson (Man City)

Canice Carroll (Oxford Utd)

Lukas Browning (IF Brommapojkarna )

Declan Rice (West Ham United)

Stephen Mallon (Sheffield Utd)

Lee O'Connor (Villa FC, Waterford)

Michael Murphy (Shelbourne)

Glen McAuley (Liverpool)

FIXTURES

Monday, March 28

UEFA U17 Championships Elite round Group 7

Republic of Ireland v Serbia, MZOS Znicz, Pruszkow (POL) (2.00pm)

Wednesday, March 30

UEFA U17 Championships Elite round Group 7

Republic of Ireland v Montenegro, Stadion ROSRRiT Siedlce, Siedlce (POL) (1.00pm)

Saturday, April 2

UEFA U17 Championships Elite round Group 7

Poland v Republic of Ireland, MZOS Znicz, Pruszkow (POL) (5.00pm)