Sue Ronan: 'Helena Costa is an inspiration'

Republic of Ireland women's manager Sue Ronan has said that Helena Costa will be a source of inspiration to other female coaches who are looking to pursue a career in men's football management.

Former Celtic scout Costa became the first female manager of a men's professional team on Wednesday when she took charge of French second division club Clermont Foot.

Ronan told Sky Sports News: "She will be a real role model for other coaches and for coaches to go on and do their top qualifying badges, the UEFA A, the Pro-Licence etc.

"I certainly think she's going to be a huge role model for everybody. There are lots of other female coaches out there that will look at this with joy and think they may have a chance.

"She's got a lot of experience in the game, she's been a scout for Celtic, she's been involved in the management team at Benfica, so why shouldn't she be given the opportunity?"

Costa, 36, started out as a coach with Benfica's youth sides in 1997 and has also coached the Qatar and Iran women's teams.