Roma McLaughlin was in from the start today as the Republic of Ireland senior women's team drew 0-0 with Hungary at the Cyprus Cup.
The result means that Ireland will now face Wales in the final Group C game to decide the winner after the Welsh drew with Czech Republic.
McLaughlin came on as a sub in the first game against the Czech Republic, but the Greencastle woman, recently signed for Shelbourne, was handed a starting spot today – and she played 73 minutes.
Ireland were gifted the best chance of the game with just a minute on the clock as Megan Connolly closed the opposition goalkeeper down but after winning the ball, her shot was blocked.
Aine O’Gorman saw her shot well saved.while Katie McCabe saw a powerful effort well saved.
Hungary could have won the game as they were awarded a penalty after O’Gorman fouled Gabriella Toth in the area but Fanni Vago’s penalty went well wide of debutant Marie Hourihan’s right-hand post.
New Ireland head coach Colin Bell said: “We’re trying to lay the foundations. We want to stay compact and get teams on the break. When we start training together and the team gets fitter, we can then start moving the ball better and become a much better side.”