Leanne Kiernan helped the Republic of Ireland women’s team boost their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup after scoring the opening goal in her side’s victory over Slovakia.

An own goal from Ireland goalkeeper Marie Hourihan looked to have cost Colin Bell’s side two precious points in their bid to qualify for their first ever major tournament.

But a late strike from Amber Barrett ensured Ireland claimed maximum points ahead of next week’s meeting with European champions The Netherlands.

And Kiernan admitted her relief about getting the win.

“There’s always a worry [you won’t find a winner],” Kiernan told Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan.

“But I think the character we have in this team; we fight for each other and we definitely thought we’d get the goal.

Ireland meet reigning European champions The Netherlands next week and are well placed in Group Three in second place on 10 points.

And Kiernan is hoping for more of the same despite coming up against stern opposition.

“You definitely want to play against the best. It will be a great experience to play against them again – especially in our home ground – and hopefully we’ll get the crowd out after us,” Kiernan added.

“We’ll work hard and we’re going to have to work 10 times harder than them if we want to be successful and if that’s what it takes, we’ll do it.

“We’re all very thankful.

“As a team I thought we had a brilliant connection with each other and we’ll work hard for each other. Whatever it takes we want to go to France.

“Unfortunately we had a few knock backs with the girls being injured but you see the character coming out in the team and we have fill-in players doing well as well.”

Written by James Hopper