Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WE’RE DRIVEN BY LUXURY COACHES
Management have instilled a new confidence says Callaghan
We believe in the coaches and what they’re telling us. We can see improvements in each other and ourselves, and we have grown as players
MARISSA CALLAGHAN is confident Northern Ireland will rise to the challenge against Belarus tonight. Kenny Shiels’ side know nothing less than victory will keep alive hopes of securing a Euro play-off
They have already beaten tonight’s opponents, earning a 1-0 win last month despite having goalkeeper Jackie Burns sent off after just 28 minutes.
Experienced midfielder Callaghan believes that performance in Min sk pro v e s Nor th er n Ireland have the mettle to go all the way.
“The improvement in the team in the past year has been phenomenal. We have improved as individuals and as a team,” she said.
“It is a massive challenge for us, but we are up for it. You live for games like this. “We c a n’ t wa i t for the Belarus game. It is a huge fixture but this is what we want.
“We have the talent and have always shown we have it. We have a great mix of experience and youth and the style of play we play is exciting and suits the players.
“We know what we have to do on Friday night and we want to go out and do the business.
“We believe in the coaches and what they’re telling us. We can see improvements in each other and ourselves, and we have grown as players.
“Once you have people who believe in you, and want you to express yourself, then that gives you confidence.”
Northern Ireland are seeking a third straight win in their Euro qualifying group, having seen off Belarus and the Faroe Islands in the previous two outings.
Callaghan believes momentum is building as they look to book their place in the play-offs, and a shot at next year’s finals.
“People forget we are the underdogs,” the Cliftonville midfielder added.
“Wales and Belarus are above us in the UEFA rankings. We relish that. We are Northern Ireland and these are the games we live for.
“We needed four wins and now we need two. But we are not getting carried away with ourselves.
“You have to look at the next game. Belarus away was a big game for us, and I can’t describe the feeling at the final whistle over there. The girls worked so hard in a tough, tough game.
“We played with 10 players for most of the game and it shows you the talent we have in this squad.
“We are here, at home. We can’t ask for any more. It is in our hands.”
Callaghan is one of 14 players who currently ply their club trade in the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership.
She believes that representation shows how far the local league has evolved in recent years.
“It shows the work the local clubs are putting in. I know how much hard work goes into the grassroots game here,” she added.
“Women’s football has grown massively in the last couple of years.
When I was a youngster I didn’t have these opportunities.
“Credit to those who work hard and are passionate about women’s football.
“T h a t ’s w h a t makes Friday night so important. We want to inspire the young girls coming through.
“There are opportunities there now for young players. We have our Shooting Stars programme to get more young girls into the game, and people like Electric Ireland have brought the game on leaps and bounds.
“I am very lucky to be a player and also work for the Irish FA. I am excited for now and also for the future.”