A moment of real panic in the Scotland defence, as Nicola Docherty tries to play out from the back.

Her pass is closed down though, and she has to stretch full-length to make up for her mistake.

Moments later, Simone MacGill is in acres of space and would have had a clear sight of goal had the attempted pass to her not been overhit.

Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at Dens Park

Not much to write home about but in these early stages, Scotland are looking dangerous and using the conditions to their advantage.

The slick surface is aiding Cuthbert, Kerr and Weir, as if they needed any more help.

Scotland are popping it about nicely here, and Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthburt have both forced saves from Shannon Turner in the last few minutes.

Promising...

First signs of life in attack from Northern Ireland.

A darting run down the right from Caragh Hamilton starts things off, but Erin Cuthbert does well to anticipate and block the shot.

A warning for Scotland, who had had things all their own way to that point.

There's a glimpse of that midfield quality, as Sam Kerr bends a sumptuous pass in behind the Northern Ireland defence.

For a split second it looks as though the hosts are in on goal, but Northern Ireland scramble back to avert the danger.

Referee Lisa Benn peeps her whistle, and away we go...

There is a warm round of applause in memory of former Scotland manager Craig Brown, who sadly passed away recently aged 82.

Flower of Scotland rings around Dens Park - the rain doing nothing to dampen spirits in Dundee.

Kick-off is just moments away...

Leanne Crichton
Ex-Scotland international on BBC Radio Scotland

Momentum is the big one and they're going to need it.

Scotland have got a big year coming up and they have a chance here tonight with the fans behind them.

Northern Ireland will be robust and well-organised tonight.

Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at Dens Park

Summer time, they say? One thinks not.

At a pouring Dens Park, this Scotland team is dripping with experience and excitement.

Captain Caroline Weir, Chelsea superstar Erin Cuthbert, Bayern Munich-bound Sam Kerr and the talented teenager Emma Watson to name just a few.

This is the first time we'll be seeing Watson and Cuthbert together, too. Warra prospect...

Image source, SNS

Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan says there has been a "super atmosphere" in camp ahead of tonight's friendly.

"The camp has been brilliant so far," said Callaghan. "The prep has been outstanding in terms of what the management have done.

"The atmosphere is super. We are just delighted we are back together again.

"Everyone wants to be ready. It makes it more competitive when everyone is fit and healthy," added Callaghan.

"The management team have really done their homework. We are all really looking forward to getting out there and to perform."

Caroline Weir, who captains Scotland tonight, has stressed the importance of these two friendlies to the players.

"We're hoping for two wins, they're really important games," Real Madrid midfielder Weir said.

"This is a good time to have a decent amount of time together without the other distractions of club football and set the foundations for the next campaign."

Scotland missed out on this year's World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand, which start next week, after a play-off defeat at home to Republic of Ireland.

But Weir adds that missing out on the finals has only motivated the team more to make the next major tournament.

"We have to focus on our own next campaign and this is a really good chance to begin that now and not dwell on not being at the World Cup," the 28-year-old said.

"We are so disappointed but we are so motivated. Having been at the Euros and the World Cup before, it really does make you want it more.

"This team is more driven than ever to go and qualify and you can feel it."

Image source, SNS

Evening all! Anyone fancy some international football to brighten up this drizzly Friday evening?

Good, because we'll be across all the action from Dens Park, as Scotland host Northern Ireland in the first of their summer friendlies, before a trip to Finland on Tuesday.

Let's get cracking, shall we...

Image source, SNS