'We want tough tests': Tyler Toland content with scrappy Ireland win

Tyler Toland says that the Republic of Ireland need ‘tough tests’.

A second-half own goal gave the Girls in Green a scrappy 1-0 win over Hungary at Tallaght Stadium in the Nations League on Friday night.

Toland played 64 minutes of the win and Ireland now head for a derby against Northern Ireland on Tuesday at Windsor Park in their final Nations League outing.

Toland, restored to the squad by interim manager Eileen Gleeson following the World Cup in the summer, has featured in every game since her return and the St Johnston woman believes Friday night will stand to the side.

“It was a tough test, but that’s exactly what we want,” the Blackburn Rovers midfielder said.

“As a team, we are looking to build. Moving forward, we want tough tests. It’s only going to improve us as a squad.

“In a game you always have to be adaptable and adapt to situations like that. The more difficult it is, the better it is for us moving forward.”

The only goal of the game came when Henrietta Csiszar, the Hungary captain, turned the ball into her own net after Sinead Farrelly and Heather Payne combined for the hosts.

Toland was partnered by Ruesha Littlejohn in the Irish engine room.

She said: “Ruesha is a great player with loads of experience. It was really nice to play with her. It’s great to play with new people and learn from everyone you play with.”

Ireland already secured the winning of the group when beating Albania last month, but Tuesday’s game against Northern Ireland gives them a chance to end 2023 on a positive note ahead of the Euro 2025 qualifiers in the spring.

Toland said: “It’s another derby. We have a lot of fans here and hopefully we have a lot coming to Windsor Park too.”

Culdaff's Erin McLaughlin, who plays for Peamount United, was an unused substitute in Friday's game.