NI 'sensational' in build-up to Romania test - Oxtoby

Northern Ireland have won one and lost one of their opening Nations League fixtures

Women's Nations League, Group B1: Romania v Northern Ireland

Venue: Arcul de Triumf Stadium, Bucharest Date: Friday, 4 April Kick-off: 17:00 BST

Coverage: Live stream on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app; live text and in-play clips on BBC Sport website and app

Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby says "preparations have been very good" ahead of the Nations League double-header with Romania.

The first game on Friday, which can be viewed live on BBC iPlayer, will be away before the return fixture in Belfast on Tuesday.

Northern Ireland are second in Group B1 after a late comeback win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in February, while Romania are without a win in two matches.

"We had a couple of days in Leicester before flying out. We're here now and we're looking forward to getting a feel for the pitch," Oxtoby said.

"The girls have been sensational in terms of their application and I'm really looking forward to watching them play."

Oxtoby has a fit and healthy squad to pick from and "everyone is fighting for a place in the starting team".

Northern Ireland bounced back from a defeat in Poland in their Nations League opener with a 3-2 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Larne, when captain Simone Magill scored two late goals.

Oxtoby said the growing interactions and connections in her young squad are "excellent to see" and she wants to see the camaraderie transferred on to the pitch.

"You can see that now in the performances on the pitch, that's really important," added the Australian.

"They have respect for each other and what we are trying to do.

"It's taken time to build that but we are in a really great place now and they are a delight to work with."