Northern Ireland Aims to Validate Euro Qualification, Says Goalkeeper Burns

Goalkeeper Jackie Burns, who transferred to Bristol City from Reading during the summer window, stated that Northern Ireland is determined to demonstrate its ability to compete with top teams and confirm that its Euro 2022 qualification “wasn’t a fluke”. Northern Ireland enters the play-off for a spot in the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland as significant underdogs against Norway. The initial match is scheduled for Friday at Inver Park, with the second leg taking place the following Tuesday in Oslo. Burns commented, “Everyone wants to achieve it again. For me, I want to prove it wasn’t a fluke the first time.” She added, “We want to show we are able to compete with the top-quality teams. To do it again would prove that and show that our quality has gone up since last time.” Northern Ireland secured their play-off berth by achieving a 2-1 aggregate win against Croatia, propelled by Lauren Wade’s decisive extra-time goal. In contrast, Norway advanced after a 14-0 victory over Albania. The 28-year-old Bristol City stopper, Burns, acknowledged that “it will be tough” but suggested Northern Ireland could “thrive” on their underdog status. She further noted the potential advantage of playing the first leg at home, specifically at Inver Park in Larne. She stated, “Norway are a quality team, but the crowd will help us into this game.” Burns continued, “Obviously you want the second leg at home, but having the first leg here is going to help us even more. It will push us on.” Manager Tanya Oxtoby has assembled a youthful squad. Burns, who is among 11 players in the current squad that participated in the Euro finals in 2022, emphasized the importance of focusing on the game itself rather than the significance of the event. She shared, “It’s something one of my coaches told me from a young age when I was playing for Northern Ireland – the game doesn’t change. Yes, the opposition may change but football doesn’t.” Burns concluded, “The occasion is big but as long as you can keep it simple and clear your mind, then it could be a good experience.”