Friday 01 Dec 2023

Northern Ireland players look ahead to Albania clash

Northern Ireland return to action today as they take on Albania in their penultimate UEFA Women’s Nations League match of 2023.

Having defeated tonight’s opponents 1-0 in Belfast in September the squad will be aiming to net another three points when they take to the pitch at the Arena Kombëtare in Tirana.

Ahead of the match in the Albanian capital, three of boss Tanya Oxtoby’s squad have been giving their views as the countdown to kick-off (4pm) ramps up.

Caragh Hamilton, midfielder (pictured, above)

For me this is the camp where I feel like we’ve really hit the ground running from the start. We’ve come in and we know what our principles and we know what the game plan is and how we’re going to attack it and I think everyone is really focused and on the same page.

We know that we just want to get out there and express ourselves and be brave, be more aggressive and be on the front foot. I don’t think there’s anything that we should be afraid of. We go in with no doubt and no fear. That’s when you play the best football and that’s when we are the best versions of ourselves. We hope to go out play with freedom and enjoyment because it’s one of the biggest honours to play for your country.

Simone Magill, forward

It’s always nice to be back with the squad. There’s always a great buzz around camp and we’re feeling good.

Every game of football you play, you want to go and win and that’s exactly what our mindset is going to be going into these two games. We want to build off the last games and take the learnings into these next two games and really push on and hopefully end the year on a really positive note. 

Chloe McCarron, midfielder

The vibe around camp is very good and I think that stems from the confidence and understanding of what game plan is.

Everyone is clear in what we have to do and that will help build that momentum in what we do. We know what we’re doing and everyone has their jobs and roles that they have to fulfil.