NI 'know what to expect' in Nations League - Oxtoby

Northern Ireland begin their Nations League campaign with a double-header against Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby believes having a settled squad can only benefit the team's continued development.

Oxtoby has made just one change to the squad from their Euro play-off defeat against Norway for their opening Nations League fixtures.

Nottingham Forest winger Caragh Hamilton returns in place of the injured Casey Howe for games against Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina later this month.

"It's a massive positive when you can keep the core of your group together, we have some momentum now which is something we want to build on and standards in the group are where we want them to be," said Oxtoby.

"The consistency of selection at this point allows those [standards] to stay where they need to be, and the players now know what we are going after and how we go after it."

'We've been through this before'

Oxtoby's side are in action for the first time since their 7-0 aggregate defeat against Norway in their Euro 2025 play-off in December

Northern Ireland finished second behind Portugal in League B Group 1 in their Nations League campaign last year.

This year they face Poland, who have qualified for this summer's Euros, Bosnia-Herzegovina, who they beat twice last year, and Romania.

They start their campaign in Gdansk on Friday, 21 February against Poland, and then welcome Bosnia-Herzegovina to Inver Park four days later.

"We've been through this before, third Nations League campaign, we know what to expect," Oxtoby said.

"People will look at the Norway result and probably take something from that but for us, the performance was excellent for large periods, and we want to take the momentum forward."

The NI boss admitted that the hardest thing about this window of fixtures is managing player loads and leasing with clubs to ensure players arrive into camp in good condition.

Oxtoby believes her experiences working in club football have aided her in this area.

"The challenge is making sure the players are prepared and ready when they come to camp, but that they are not overtired.

"It's tough for clubs and national teams to make sure we get the balance right, but because I come from that background it helps," she added.

"I try and put myself in the club's shoes and it is about collaborating as best we can without stepping on toes."

'We want our players in high-performing environments'

Maxwell and McDaniel moved to Burnley from Cliftonville after starring in the Reds' treble-winning season

A number of players in the Northern Ireland squad made moves in the January transfer window.

Megan Bell joined Nottingham Forest, whilst Connie Scofield and Kerry Beattie made loan switches to Sheffield United and Aberdeen in search of regular game time.

Danielle Maxwell and Louise McDaniel became the latest players from the Women's Premiership to move across the water after joining Burnley from Cliftonville.

Maxwell scored on her debut for the Clarets and Oxtoby hopes that more players make the move from the Women's Premiership to full-time football, if and when the time is right.

"We want our players to be in high-performing environments that suit them and are going to push them and help them reach their potential.

"Maxi and Louise feel this is the right move for them at the right time and that is important, it's not just about football, they have to be happy off the pitch for it to be successful, but it seems to be going well for them."