Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
RANGERS DEFENDER WANTS TO ADVANCE TO FINALS
RANGERS defender Demi Vance insists Northern Ireland are taking nothing for granted going into tonight’s game against Belarus.
Expectation levels are rising as Northern Ireland look to secure a coveted Euro play-off spot.
They need victories in their final two games, starting tonight against Belarus and then Tuesday’s home game against the Faroe Islands.
“Everyone is excited. Friday is a massive opportunity for us but we are taking nothing for granted,” Vance said.
“We are just really excited to have this chance.
“We have two massive games coming up, but our only focus is on Belarus on Friday night. We can’t take our eyes off that one.
“We need a good performance there if we want to pick up the result we need.”
She added: “We have a lot of experience in this squad. And when it comes to the big games Northern Ireland has a reputation of stepping up to meet the challenge.
“We don’t feel any added pressure going into this week. We just want to enjoy it and perform to the level we know we can.”
Vance believes reaching the Euro play-offs would inspire more young females to get into football in Northern Ireland.
“If we could make a play-off it would be a massive source of inspiration to the young players coming through,” she added.
“We have built some momentum and it has been a massive year for us.
“We have come so far in a short space of time, especially during 2020 and with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But we are on a journey here and we want to go as far as possibly can.
“If we win these two games then we will go down in history as the first Northern Ireland Women’s team to reach a play-off, with a chance of going to the Euros.
“Hopefully this can inspire young players to keep playing football and keep dreaming.”