Tyler Toland returned to action for the Republic of Ireland senior women’s team in a narrow friendly loss to Belgium in Murcia this afternoon.
Elena Dhont’s first-half goal gave Belgium the win at the Pinatar Arena.
Kildrum Tigers woman Toland was making her first Irish appearance since picking up a leg injury in the World Cup qualifier win over Northern Ireland in August.
Milford’s Amber Barrett came on in the 76th minute of the tie.
A strong Belgian side netted their first chance of the game through Dhont in the 16th minute as Colin Bell’s young Ireland side failed to find the net. Bell handed a senior international debut to 16-year old striker Emily Kraft and a first start to Shelbourne winger Isibeal Atkinson.
He also welcomed Megan Connolly and Harriet Scott back into the starting line-up for the first fixture of 2019.
Ireland, who were missing strike duo Leanne Kiernan and Rianna Jarrett, failed to create many chances in the second-half to draw level as Bell’s side succumbed to defeat.
“I can’t fault the effort of the players. They’ve had a great week of training and they’ve continued until the very last minute,” said Bell.
“Belgium are a strong side and they will do well, no doubt. The disappointing thing is that we’ve lost the game without being outclassed. The goal they scored was down to our mistake and that is extremely frustrating.
“We’re missing a few players but that gave the opportunity to some other players today. If you look at the players we’ve brought on, we’ve played two 16-year olds, three 17-year olds and 18-year olds, so this is a great experience for the younger players.”
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