Boss Rhian Wilkinson believes the manner of Wales’ win will help them as they bid to qualify for a first major finals.

“I’m exhausted. The players gave everything they had. I am a proud coach,” she said.

“We found a way to figure things out, that is how great teams are made.

“Momentum builds and we’ll learn so much from such a resilient display tonight.”

Wilkinson felt Wales’ display was summed up by the performance of their most-capped player, Jess Fishlock, who played the full 120 minutes despite returning from a six-week layoff through injury.

Fishlock scored Wales’ first goal and completed the contest despite her previous injury, with the 37-year old collapsing to the turf at full-time.

“Our performance was epitomised by Jess Fishlock who collapsed at the end of the game and had nothing left to give,” Wilkinson said.

“This is a sporting icon playing for Wales in front of her own fans. I apologised for keeping her on… but there was no way I was taking her off.

“She is the ultimate team player. She said if she had nothing left to take her off. I said ‘I will do what needs to be done.’ And I did that. I had to leave her on. She is phenomenal. I don’t take off Jess Fishlock in a game like that.”