Article body analysed
Jackie Burns joined Bristol City from Reading in the summer transfer window Goalkeeper Jackie Burns says Northern Ireland want to show they can compete with the best teams and prove their Euro 2022 qualification "wasn't a fluke". Northern Ireland will be huge underdogs as they face Norway in a play-off for a place at the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland. The first leg takes place at Inver Park on Friday before the return fixture in Oslo on Tuesday. "Everyone wants to achieve it again. For me, I want to prove it wasn't a fluke the first time, " said Burns. "We want to show we are able to compete with the top-quality teams. To do it again would prove that and show that our quality has gone up since last time. " Northern Ireland reached the play-off with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Croatia, thanks to Lauren Wade's superb extra-time goal, while Norway defeated Albania 14-0. Burns says "it will be tough" but Northern Ireland can "thrive" off the underdog tag. The 28-year-old Bristol City stopper added that having the first leg at home, which will be played at Inver Park in Larne, can be beneficial. "Norway are a quality team, but the crowd will help us into this game, " she said. "Obviously you want the second leg at home, but having the first leg here is going to help us even more. It will push us on. " Manager Tanya Oxtoby has built a youthful squad and Burns, one of 11 players in the squad who featured at the Euro finals in 2022, says it is important to play the game and not the occasion. "It's something one of my coaches told me from a young age when I was playing for Northern Ireland - the game doesn't change. Yes, the opposition may change but football doesn't. "The occasion is big but as long as you can keep it simple and clear your mind, then it could be a good experience. " Premier League: Wan-Bissaka doubles West Ham lead at Newcastle General Motors agrees deal to enter F1 in 2026 Salah selfish for contract comments - Carragher An Aussie twist on Death in Paradise Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke reluctantly returns to her Australian hometown The people and projects trying to make the world a better place Discover how a project in Nepal is training Sherpas to remove waste from Mount Everest Michelle Visage searches for the best drag queen down under Ten new queens from Australia and New Zealand compete for $50, 000 and the title of drag superstar Jack Boswell explores India's ancient living bridges These remarkable structures offer a model of regenerative design, resilience and community spirit When the All Blacks' head coach played club rugby in Northern Ireland Meet Jude Mc Atamney - the New York Giants kicker from Derry Ireland 'blown away' by visit from Andes crash survivor The Dutch You Tuber who plans to change NI football Salah 'disappointed' by lack of Liverpool offer Ireland game could be 'line in sand' for England Late escape for Chiefs and Cowboys win thriller Superb India thrash Australia to win first Test 'Still not at our peak' – Chelsea's bid for six-in-a-row looks ominous Scotland 'found a way to win' against Australia Why Leicester acted quickly to end Cooper reign Why Verstappen's 'almost flawless' season is 'towering achievement' England are in a very good place - George 'We will suffer for a long period' - why there is no quick fix at Man Utd 'Now give Mo his dough' - Liverpool can't let Salah leave Anfield 'In eight years we never lived like this' - what is wrong at Man City? What being coached by Murray could do for Djokovic Elvis, Flintoff & soil - life in England's fast lane 'Gracias Rafa' - why retiring Nadal means so much The story behind the iconic photo, 25 years on © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.