Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland: 'I know how good this group can be' - Tanya Oxtoby

Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby was in a festive mood at training at Windsor Park

"Five wins, four clean sheets, top of the group."

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe summed up the challenge that awaits Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.

While the Republic have already secured promotion to League A with five wins from their five matches - including a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland in their opening game in Dublin - there is a lot on the line for the hosts as they chase second place and a promotion play-off.

Under new manager Tanya Oxtoby, Northern Ireland had performed in fits and starts but on Friday they put in their most accomplished performance in Tirana as they brushed Albania aside 4-0 with a clinical and slick display.

"I know how good this group can be and I want them to reach their potential," the Australian said.

"That performance on Friday is the stepping stone to keep the bar up here. I asked for a 90-minute performance and, barring one or two things, I think we got that.

"That's really pleasing because we have built towards Friday night where we had patches but we had never really put a full performance together.

"From my point of view it was really pleasing, everyone played their part.

"We started this campaign against the Republic and we're finishing against the Republic. I know for a fact how much we've grown across the campaign, so it's going to give us a great challenge to see the areas we still need to improve in, but also the areas we have got better in.

"It's fantastic we get to play at home in front of our fans and we get to end the campaign in a way where we are going to know how we move forward. I'm sure there will be a little bit of spice as well."

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In her third international window in her new role, Oxtoby said "nothing has surprised me" but she admits she has a better feeling with the squad the more time she spends working with them.

"I feel a little more comfortable with the group in terms of the personalities that are around and how to try and get the best out of them," the former Chelsea assistant said.

"When you're coming in you have two days and then you have a game after two sessions.

"I get to know them a little bit better and they get to know me a little bit better. We're working through some of those bumps in the road which is nice and we are starting to get the best out of each other, which is good."

It will also be a first outing at Windsor Park for Oxtoby and the third time Northern Ireland's senior women will line up at the redeveloped national stadium. More than 8,000 tickets have been sold for the Irish derby.

Oxtoby said it was "brave" to play away from their traditional, more compact home at Seaview but it was the right thing to do.

"To grow the women's game and make sure we continue to do the right thing off the pitch and get people through the door, I think that is important," she added.

"In terms of the team, if we want to qualify for major tournaments and play in big stadiums then we need to start to do that now so we can look at the areas of strength for us and areas where we need to develop. This will be a good test for us."

McCabe wants six from six

Results-wise the Republic have been flawless on their return to action from the World Cup. Performance-wise they still want to grow in preparation for League A, which means Northern Ireland cannot expect an easy ride against their Irish neighbours.

The match is likely to be Eileen Gleeson's final game as interim manager of the team.

Captain McCabe said despite their perfect record "there is always motivation" for the players to represent their country in any match.

"Of course we want to make sure it is six from six," Arsenal's McCabe said. "We know how Northern Ireland are going to come at us. They have got an incentive to finish second and they obviously want to progress.

"We are playing at Windsor Park and hopefully a lot of people will come and watch. It's going to be a massive game but we're under no illusions, it won't be an easy game tomorrow.

"There is always health rivalry there between the two countries and it is going to be a great game.

"It's up to the players on the pitch tomorrow to identify and look to stop Northern Ireland's threats, which they have a few of.

"They are coming off the back of a really nice win in Albania. They scored goals and kept a clean sheet. I'm sure that will fill them with confidence and we need to be ready for that."