Kavanagh believes in UEFA European Championship Finals dream

Alex Kavanagh says the Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17s can dare to dream about reaching the UEFA European Championships because they are prepared to fight for it.

Victories against Ukraine, Andorra, and Turkey saw Dave Bell's team top Group 1 in their UEFA European Championships Qualifying Round and secure passage through to the Elite Round.

The long-term target is reaching next summer's finals tournament in Belarus and Kavanagh - who scored twice in their three games in Izmir - believes that they can go all of the way.

"We showed great character in our three games and I think that was important. We had a tough group but we went into it wanting to finish on top and we did that," says Kavanagh.

"We have a great team and a great squad. We are a good footballing team and we improved with each game. As we get to train more together we will get even better and get closer to the finals.

"We know that won't be easy and that we will have to work hard to get through the Elite Round, but we have a great team bond and we are getting better all of the time as a team."

Kavanagh was one of eight different goalscorers in Turkey as Bell used his full panel of 18 players, while other impressive statistics include 13 goals scored, none conceded, and 60 shots unloaded at goal.

Still, Bell acknowledges that there is room for improvement and Kavanagh, who plays with Shelbourne Ladies FC, states that the chemistry in the squad proved to be a key factor in their success.

"We qualified for the Elite Round by playing football; it wasn't like we were lucky, we worked hard in every game and we're happy that we played as a team," she says.

"I think it's important to have that bond in the squad because other teams didn't have it and it showed on the pitch. We worked hard in training and listened to everything Dave (Bell) told us.

"It's unbelievable to win our three games and top the group but we want to keep going now and get ready for the Elite Round."

The draw for the Elite Round will take place on December 10 with the games being hosted early next year.