Republic of Ireland 'relishing' Aviva return - Finn

Finn is back in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time since February 2024

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie Finn said that her side are "relishing" the chance to play at Aviva Stadium when they take on Belgium in the first leg of their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off on Friday.

It will be the fifth time the Irish women's side have played at the Aviva, which is preferred to Tallaght Stadium, and the first time since December 2024, when they lost their Euro 2025 play-off second leg against Wales.

A win in the play-off would seal the Republic of Ireland's return to League A, a move which would improve their seeding for the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers, but Finn knows Belgium will provide a stern test.

"I think we'll relish playing there. It is a great stadium. Obviously, we love Tallaght, but the opportunity to play at the Aviva is great," she told BBC Sport NI.

"It's going to be tough. Belgium are a great side, we have to respect that, but we will have our own game plan and will focus on implementing that."

Finn suffered an anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] injury during Republic of Ireland training before a friendly against Italy in February 2024.

Back in the squad for the first time since that injury, the 27-year-old is hoping to add to her 16 caps but recognises the squad has gotten stronger in her absence.

"It's a really nice feeling to be back. It's nearly two years out so when I got the call to come back, I was so excited to get going," she added.

"The squad is constantly evolving. I think the quality is at its best now with people going abroad, going to full-time football and people coming in from the League of Ireland."