Northern Ireland: Boss Tanya Oxtoby says NI ‘know what to expect’ in Nations League

Northern Ireland finished second behind Portugal in League B Group 1 in their Nations League campaign last year.

This year they face Poland, who have qualified for this summer’s Euros, Bosnia-Herzegovina, who they beat twice last year, and Romania.

They start their campaign in Gdansk on Friday, 21 February against Poland, and then welcome Bosnia-Herzegovina to Inver Park four days later.

“We’ve been through this before, third Nations League campaign, we know what to expect,” Oxtoby said.

“People will look at the Norway result and probably take something from that but for us, the performance was excellent for large periods, and we want to take the momentum forward.”

The NI boss admitted that the hardest thing about this window of fixtures is managing player loads and leasing with clubs to ensure players arrive into camp in good condition.

Oxtoby believes her experiences working in club football have aided her in this area.

“The challenge is making sure the players are prepared and ready when they come to camp, but that they are not overtired.

“It’s tough for clubs and national teams to make sure we get the balance right, but because I come from that background it helps,” she added.

“I try and put myself in the club’s shoes and it is about collaborating as best we can without stepping on toes.”