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Colin Bell targets Euro 2021 qualification

Republic of Ireland Women's boss Colin Bell has set his sights on qualification for Euro 2021 in ...



Colin Bell targets Euro 2021 q...
Soccer

Colin Bell targets Euro 2021 qualification

Republic of Ireland Women's boss Colin Bell has set his sights on qualification for Euro 2021 in England.

The Irish have been drawn in the same group as Germany, The Ukraine, Greece and Montenegro.

"Looking ahead, I think we have a realisitic chance of being able to qualify. But, I've always said in every interview and to the girls that there is an element of luck that you will need as well to qualify.

"And that's all the girls remaining fit and healthy. When we're at full strength, we're a really good team but if we do get two or three injuries - that will obviously set us back.

"Now, we've had a little bit more time to prepare more players and we've got a load of good young players coming through gaining that experience. If players do get injured, we can hopefully compensate which we were not able to do last campaign," he added.

Some of Ireland's stars are now plying their trade in the top tier in England and Bell picked out the progress West Ham's Leanne Kiernan has made since her move across the water.

Chelsea Women's So-Yun Ji and West Ham United Women's Leanne Kiernan battle for the ball. Image: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

"Leanne has made a really good moves forward with us and with Shelbourne but she needed to be polished off basically and that move to West Ham has been brilliant for her.

"A good coach, good players, a good team playing against good players every week - that's really brought Leanne on.

"She's also a really strong character. She's a great girl - she's got a massive heart and is player who will listen and wants to learn and she's made massive strides forward and is our top striker," he added.

Ireland kick off their Euro 2021 qualifying at home against Montenegro in September.

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Colin Bell England Euro 2021 Leanne Kiernan Republic Of Ireland Women