Ireland were participating in the eight-nation tournament as preparation for their first-ever qualifying campaign in August of this year for the FIFA 2008 under-18 World Cup, which will be held in New Zealand.

The Irish team narrowly lost their first game of the week on Monday, 2-1 to hosts Holland, but were soundly beaten 3-0 by the USA on Wednesday.

Ireland coach John Morris-Burke asked for a big display from his charges for this, the last game of the week, and they produced a courageous performance from start to finish.

Scotland’s team consisted of players mostly a year older that the Irish. They hit Ireland on the counter-attack to break the deadlock with 20 minutes gone through a thunderous shot past goalkeeper, Ashling Dyer, making his first appearance of the week.

Ireland persevered with their controlled passing style of play and got back into the game after 55 minutes with a clinical finish by Gillian McDonald.

The Dundalk midfielder was pushed up into attack for the second half and had a role to play in both Irish goals.

Ireland’s second strike arrived on 70 minutes following an adventurous run down the left flank by Julianne Russell. Her cross was connected with by McDonald towards goal and, although the Scottish ‘keeper saved the effort, Maria Harrington followed in to convert the rebound.

Ireland coach, John Morris-Burke complimented his players work-rate and character: “This tournament has been a real learning experience for the players but they can be pleased with the way they finished off the week with a well-deserved win.

“We brought a very young team here with us because we’re starting to build up the squad. Scotland played well but we were the better side in the second half and I’m delighted by the manner of the win.

“Ashling Dyer played fantastic in goal for us, Niamh Mulcahy and Emer Flatley gave a commanding display in defence and Amanda Parkes was exceptional in the midfield. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for more from the group of players.”

Republic of Ireland Team

Ashling Dyer – Stella Maris

Lucy Hannon – Salthill Devon

Anna McCormack – Cam Celtic

Emer Flatley – Salthill Devon

Niamh Mulcahy – Aisling Annacotty

Karen Duggan – Piltown

Eilish Collins – Ballina

Julianne Russell – Salthill Devon

Amanda Parkes – Wilton United

Gillian McDonald – Dundalk

Amy Ryan – Stella Maris

Subs:

Sinead Cullen – Skerries Town for Hannon (20 mins)

Maria Harrington – Westport United for Collins (50 mins)

Kerie Ryan – Raheny for McCormack (52 mins)