Barrett's double, McLaughlin's debut and Grant's cameo helps Ireland beat Zambia

Amber Barrett scored twice and Erin McLaughlin made her international debut as the Republic of Ireland WNT defeated Zambia 3-2 in their penultimate friendly before the World Cup.

Barrett’s brace earned her the RTE Player of the Match award. Vera Pauw’s side trailed 1-0 at the break through an own goal from Courtney Brosnan on 16 minutes and the Donegal trio of Barrett, McLaughlin and Ciara Grant were introduced at the break in front of 5,732 at Tallaght Stadium.

Milford native Barrett had Ireland back on terms within three minutes of the restart from the penalty spot before Claire O’Riordan headed Ireland into a 2-1 lead. Barrett then scored a delicate lob, from Grant’s cushioned header on 75 minutes and Zambia pulled one back four minutes later through Racheal Kundananji.

Barrett, who last week joined Standard Liege in Belgium from German side Turbine Potsdam, scored the vital play-off goal against Scotland last October at Hampden Park to seal their progression to the World Cup finals for the first time.

McLaughlin, the 20-year-old from Culdaff who plays for Peamount United, showed some nice touches on his first appearance at this level and Letterkenny native Grant, who debuted in 2012, also impressed in midfield.

Ireland will fly out to their Brisbane base on Friday July 7, a day after the friendly against France in Tallaght, with Pauw due to name the 23-player squad next Thursday for the finals - although she can take three more ‘training’ players. Ireland will have a training game with Colombia has now been arranged for Friday June 14 at Meakin Park, on the outskirts of Brisbane. The game, which is not a full international to allow both sides to operate rolling substitutes.

Ireland are in World Cup Group B alongside the co-hosts of the tournament and they will meet in the Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday, July 20, in a group that also includes Canada and Nigeria.