Amber Barrett is earning herself a reputation as a player suited to the big moments.

Earlier this week she claimed the Goal of the Year award at the FAI's annual ceremony, her toepoked effort against Scotland in the World Cup play-off being played over and over again on a big screen at the Mansion House in Dublin.

That was a moment she'll treasure for the rest of her days but the Donegal woman has always said she wants to add more chapters to her international story.

On Thursday night she rose from the bench to score a brace - the second a terrific lob - as Ireland came from one-nil down to beat Zambia 3-2. It was their last match before Vera Pauw confirms her 23-player squad for the World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.

This was an audition - and Barrett grabbed the spotlight.

"I cannot tell you, I feel like the weight of the world came off my shoulders when the ball went into the net," she said afterwards.

"To score in Tallaght in front of that crowd, I cannot describe it. It's such an unbelievable feeling. Every single one of them, we heard them for the full 90 minutes. Even when Courtney is making a save, the roar is nearly as loud as when we score. That's the support we want. To score for Ireland is the best thing you can ever do.

"A third would have been nice! But no, going in at half-time 1-0 down we really had to reset and get ourselves back into the game. It was great to score two goals, but more importantly we got ourselves over the line against a really tough Zambia team.

"We really gave them the respect they deserved. They have some really top class players in there and made it difficult for us. Even at the end at 3-1, they looked dangerous. Of course, it's great that we managed to get a win, with so many of our players in pre-season as well."

Barrett is not counting her chickens but it would be a shock if she's not on the plane when the team heads Down Under on 7 July. Her physicality sparked Ireland into life against a strong, quick Zambian outfit who acquitted themselves well in Dublin.

"Of course, but so did so many other players as well," Barrett said when reflecting on her fine second-half showing.

"I think Saoirse Noonan had a very good first half and was a presence up front, the ball just didn't drop for us in the way it did in the second half. That's just the way football goes sometimes.

"Believe me, as much as it was good for me to play and to score, it doesn't guarantee anything. There's still a few days to go, we still have a couple of training sessions left. I think Vera will be looking for a reaction from all the players."

"I've never played a team so physical, so athletic..."

Zambia were a good test for Ireland, the Africans displaying similar strengths to Nigeria, who Ireland will face in Brisbane on 30 July.

Their captain and star striker Barbra Banda was superb, while Grace Chanda and Rachael Kundananji were also dangerous throughout.

They may be ranked 77th in the world, but Zambia - who have also qualifed for the World Cup - could catch a few sides out this summer.

"I think any European team going to a major tournament, whether it's a Euros or World Cup, pitting yourself against an African nation is the best test you'll get," added Barrett.

"I've never played a team so physical, so athletic, it was 90 minutes of go, go, go. They were so physical, just putting girls on their backsides that would never usually be moved.

"That is such a compliment to them. When they go to the World Cup they're going to be a very difficult nation to break down for whoever plays them. It also give us the right test going into Nigeria.

"We probably are a wee bit technically better, but still it will provide that physical test that we are now relishing."