Goalkeeper Jackie Burns says Northern Eire need to present they’ll compete with one of the best groups and show their Euro 2022 qualification “wasn’t a fluke”.
Northern Eire will probably be large underdogs as they face Norway in a play-off for a spot on the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland.
The primary leg takes place at Inver Park on Friday earlier than the return fixture in Oslo on Tuesday.
“Everybody desires to realize it once more. For me, I need to show it wasn’t a fluke the primary time,” stated Burns.
“We need to present we’re in a position to compete with the top-quality groups. To do it once more would show that and present that our high quality has gone up since final time.”
Northern Eire reached the play-off with a 2-1 mixture victory over Croatia, due to Lauren Wade’s excellent extra-time aim, whereas Norway defeated Albania 14-0.
Burns says “it will likely be robust” however Northern Eire can “thrive” off the underdog tag.
The 28-year-old Bristol Metropolis stopper added that having the primary leg at house, which will probably be performed at Inver Park in Larne, could be useful.
“Norway are a high quality workforce, however the crowd will assist us into this sport,” she stated.
“Clearly you need the second leg at house, however having the primary leg right here goes to assist us much more. It’ll push us on.”
Supervisor Tanya Oxtoby has constructed a youthful squad and Burns, one among 11 gamers within the squad who featured on the Euro finals in 2022, says you will need to play the sport and never the event.
“It is one thing one among my coaches informed me from a younger age after I was enjoying for Northern Eire – the sport would not change. Sure, the opposition might change however soccer would not.
“The event is huge however so long as you may preserve it easy and clear your thoughts, then it might be a superb expertise.”
