'A group loving to learn' - Ward praises Republic of Ireland

Manager Carla Ward says the Republic of Ireland's back-to-back victories over Greece were 'massively important' as they bid for promotion to the tier of the Nations League.

Amber Barrett broke the deadlock through a controversial penalty when Leanne Kiernan was brought down by Athanasia Moraitou.

The advantage was doubled after the restart through Anna Patten, before Greece, who were searching for their first points in Group B2, replied in the 72nd minute through Everton's Veatriki Sarri.

"Overall, I think we completely dominated the game, but some moments we need to manage," Ward told RTE.

"I'm proud of the players for actually managing that [Greece threat] as there were some edgy moments.

"But, for me, two wins were massively important and that is huge for us going into the final two games."

The result at Tallaght sealed consecutive victories over Greece as the Republic of Ireland remain in second in Group B2, three points behind leaders Slovenia.

"This is a group that is loving to learn. They want to improve all the time," Ward added.

"We know there was a lot of good stuff tonight. There were some excellent performances, but there is stuff we need to improve and we'll leave no stone unturned."

Defender Aoife Mannion admitted the closing stages of the game were 'tricky' as the away side pushed for a leveller.

"We got the job done and the three points, which is the most important thing for the next round of games," she told RTE.

"We know we can be better. It was encouraging that we had so many opportunities, so many chances and so many shots but we just have to be a little bit tighter in defence and put our chances away."

The Republic of Ireland now face Turkey away in their next League B fixture on 30 May, before welcoming Slovenia to Dublin on 3 June.