Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI in Podgorica

Northern Ireland have been on top after the first 90 seconds, when Armisa Kuc really should have scored. Even she could not believe it.

Tanya Oxtoby's side look dangerous, particularly down the right-hand side with Rebecca McKenna, Joely Andrews and Danielle Maxwell all linking up well.

The rain is back, by the way.

Northern Ireland go close to making the breakthrough on a number of occasions.

Lauren Wade gets to the byline and stands the ball up to the back post, where Joely Andrews heads off-target.

The ball then drops for Marissa Callaghan, whose shot is stopped by Anastasija Krstovic, and the young goalkeeper is called into action swiftly after to deny Danielle Maxwell from close range.

Northern Ireland look threatening every time they go forward.

Danielle Maxwell floats in an inviting cross for Sarah McFadden, who had stayed up following a corner, but her header is straight at Anastasija Krstovic.

Northern Ireland fashion their first sight of goal as Rebecca McKenna exchanges passes with Chloe McCarron before picking out Lauren Wade in the box.

Composure eludes the Reading forward however, as she steers her effort over the crossbar.

A lively opening to the game.

Julie Nelson
Northern Ireland's most capped player on co-commentary

Montenegro seem to be very strong at home and they're not conceding too many goals.

It will be a challenge for the girls, they may be ranked 88th in the world at the moment, but I don't think that reflects the quality that the side have.

Early chance for the home side as Armisa Kuc meets a teasing corner delivery, but heads over the crossbar.

A warning for Northern Ireland as Kuc, who has five goals in six Women's Nations League games, had a free header at the back post.

Montenegro get us underway here in Podgorcia in this promotion/relegation play-off.

Here we go!

The teams are on the pitch, now time for the anthems.

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Lauren Perry opens up on her injury struggles which threatened to end her career, life with her new club Montrose and her re-call to the international squad for the first time since 2018.

Read more here.

Image source, Getty Images

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI in Podgorcia

There's been a pretty confusing mix of sun, cloud and rain throughout the day here in Podgorica. It's a bit like being back at home I suppose.

It's a strong starting team for Northern Ireland as they look to build up a good buffer ahead of the second leg in Belfast.

However, one thing to keep an eye out for is a bit of match rust as five of the XI have not played a competitive match since December.

The teams are out for the warm-up at the minute and there's plenty of smiles as we get closer to kick-off.

Despite the heavy rock music being played, I don't think we are in for a big atmosphere with just 41 fans (yes, that low I can count it) at the time of writing.

Tanya Oxtoby says her time as Northern Ireland manager has been a "baptism of fire" and she is "excited" to see how her team progresses in 2024.

"I know the players better now. I know their strengths and some of their motivations and background stories," she said.

"That's really important if you want to try and get the best out of players. So from that point of view, you know, that time has been really well invested and I trust this group.

"I can see that we're heading in the right direction."

Read more of Oxtoby's thoughts on the Montenegro game here.

Image source, Getty Images

Montenegro are ranked 88th in the world and showed promising form in Group C3 of the inaugural Women's Nations League.

Montenegro's only two defeats came at the hands of group winners Azerbaijan.

The Republic of Ireland defeated Montenegro 3-0 and 2-0 in Euro 2022 qualifying.

Forward Armisa Kuc scored five goals in Montenegro's six group games and will be one to watch.

Image source, Getty Images

Tanya Oxtoby makes three changes to the side that lost 6-1 against the Republic of Ireland at Windsor Park in December.

Rebecca Holloway pulled out of the squad with injury and she is replaced by Glentoran's Demi Vance.

Joely Andrews and Danielle Maxwell also come into the side in place of Nadene Caldwell and Caragh Hamilton.

Montenegro show two alterations to the side that beat Cyprus 2-0 in their final group game.

Maja Saranovic is suspended and in comes Aleksandra Popovic in her place.

Jelena Vujadinovic is replaced by Medina Desic.

Montenegro: Anastasija Krstovic, Jovana Saric, Tatjana Djurkovic, Helena Bozic, Aleksandra Popovic, Jelena Karlicic, Marija Djukic, Sladjana Bulatovic, Jasna Djokovic, Medina Desic, Armisa Kuc.

Subs: Asja Kalac, Jovana Zugic, Milica Radunovic, Jelena Petrovic, Ivana Boricic, Tatjana Osmajic, Sara Simonovic, Anastasija Rakocevic, Nada Durdevac, Masa Tomasevic, Jelena Vujadinovic.

Northern Ireland: Maddy Harvey-Clifford, Rebecca McKenna, Sarah McFadden, Laura Rafferty, Demi Vance, Chloe McCarron, Joely Andrews, Marissa Callaghan, Lauren Wade, Danielle Maxwell, Simone Magill.

Subs: Lauren Perry, Shannon Turner, Rachel Dugdale, Kelsie Burrows, Ellie Mason, Toni-Leigh Finnegan, Caragh Hamilton, Nadene Caldwell, Megan Bell, Emily Wilson, Kerry Beattie, Keri Halliday.

Image source, BBC Sport

It is fair to say that Northern Ireland had an up-and-down campaign in Group B1.

In their opening game, and their first under Tanya Oxtoby, they were beaten 3-0 by the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in September.

In the second game of the double header, Lauren Wade scored the only goal of the game on her 50th cap to seal a 1-0 victory against Albania at Seaview and get Northern Ireland off the mark.

They then played Hungary home and away in October, losing 3-2 in Győr after conceding a goal in the 94th minute.

At home, Danielle Maxwell's first international goal rescued a point in a 1-1 draw.

Northern Ireland produced their best performance of the campaign in their next game, a 4-0 victory against Albania in Tirana.

Their campaign ended on a disappointing note however, as they were beaten 6-1 by the Republic to condemn them to third place in the group and the play-offs.

Image source, Getty Images

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI in Podgorcia

The walk from the hotel to the stadium is only 15 minutes, but you get a real flavour of a city with a long, and often brutal, history.

From 17th century clock towers to communist Yugoslavian architecture, built after the city was bombed in World War two, Podgorica has a real blend of old, new and everything in between.

Given Montenegro's storied past, it's no surprise they are relatively new to women's football with the team only set up just over a decade ago.

That helps explain why they are ranked 88th in the world but they are constantly progressing.

Northern Ireland are still favourites, but Montenegro are a better side than their standing suggests.

Captain Marissa Callaghan says Northern Ireland are ready for "two cup finals" in their Women's Nations League play-off with Montenegro.

"Hopefully everything comes together and we can take a positive result home," Callaghan told BBC Sport.

"I've real respect for them, they are a fantastic team and they have really good individuals. They are strong, direct and scoring lots of goals in League C."

Read more from Callaghan here.

Image source, Getty Images

Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of Northern Ireland's Nations League play-off first leg against Montenegro in Podgorica.

Northern Ireland are looking to retain their place in League B while Montenegro hope to earn promotion.

League B status will play a pivotal role in Euro 2025 qualification so Northern Ireland understand the importance of coming out on top over the two legs.

The second leg will be played at Windsor Park in Belfast on 27 February.

You can watch the game on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and we will have live text commentary.

Enjoy!

Image source, BBC Sport