Goalkeeper Jackie Burns says Northern Ireland want to show they can compete with the best teams and prove their qualification for Euro 2022 was “no fluke”.
Northern Ireland will be big underdogs when they face Norway in a play-off for a place in the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland.
The first leg will take place at Inver Park on Friday before the return leg in Oslo on Tuesday.
“Everyone wants to do it again. For me, I want to show that it wasn’t a fluke the first time,” Burns said.
“We want to show that we are capable of competing with the highest quality teams. Doing it again would demonstrate that and show that our quality has increased since the last time.”
Northern Ireland reached the play-offs with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Croatia, thanks to Lauren Wade’s magnificent goal in extra time, while Norway defeated Albania 14-0.
Burns says “it will be difficult” but Northern Ireland can “thrive” without being favourites.
The Bristol City goalkeeper, 28, added that playing the first leg at home, which will be held at Inver Park in Larne, could be beneficial.
“Norway is a quality team, but the public will help us get to this match,” he said.
“Obviously you want to play the second leg at home, but having the first leg here will help us even more. It will push us forward.”
Coach Tanya Oxtoby has put together a young team and Burns, one of 11 players in the team who participated in the Euro 2022 final, says it is important to play the game and not the occasion.
“It’s something that one of my coaches told me since I was little when I played for Northern Ireland: the game doesn’t change. Yes, the opponent can change, but football doesn’t.
“The occasion is big, but as long as you can keep it simple and have a clear mind, then it could be a good experience.”
