Northern Ireland v Norway: We want to prove Euro qualification ‘wasn’t a fluke’ – Jackie Burns
Goalkeeper Jackie Burns says Northern Ireland want to prove they can compete with the best and show their qualification for Euro 2022 is “not a fluke”.
Northern Ireland will face Norway as huge underdogs in the Euro 2025 play-offs in Switzerland.
The first leg will be played at Inver Park on Friday before the second game in Oslo on Tuesday.
“Everybody wants to make it happen again. For me, I want to prove it wasn’t a fluke,” Burns said.
“We want to show that we have the ability to compete with the top teams. Doing it again will prove that and show that our quality has improved since last time.”
Northern Ireland advanced to the play-offs with a 2-1 aggregate win over Croatia thanks to Lauren Wade’s superb extra-time goal, while Norway beat Albania 14-0.
Burns said “it’s going to be tough” but Northern Ireland could shake off the loser label and “thrive”.
The 28-year-old Bristol City goalkeeper added that it could be beneficial that the first leg home game will be played at Inver Park in Larne.
“Norway is a good team, but the crowd is going to help us get into this game,” she said.
“Obviously you want to play the second leg at home but having the first leg here will help us more. It will push us forward.”
Head coach Tanya Oxtoby, who has assembled a young squad in which Burns is one of 11 players in the Euro 2022 finals, said it was about the game rather than the occasion.
“This is something a coach told me when I was young playing for Northern Ireland – the game doesn’t change. Yes, the opponents may change, but the football doesn’t change.
“The occasion is big, but as long as you keep it simple and level-headed, it can be a good experience.”
