Emily Wilson rallies NI Women to rise up against Republic for big Windsor Park crowd

NI Women striker Emily Wilson is looking forward to facing the Republic of Ireland at Windsor Park

Northern Ireland enter the clash against the Republic at Windsor Park on the back of a 4-0 victory against Albania

Northern Ireland Women's manager Tanya Oxtoby (centre) delivers a team talk during the side's match in Albania

Striker Emily Wilson wants the Northern Ireland players to deliver a performance worthy of the special occasion when they take on the Republic of Ireland at Windsor Park on Tuesday evening.

The Nations League League B Group 1 showdown has a 6pm kick-off and will be a huge test for Tanya Oxtoby’s side.

So far in B1, the Republic, who are top seeds, have won all five of their games and have therefore won the group, while second seeds Northern Ireland have won two, drawn one and lost two, including that 3-0 defeat to the Republic in Dublin during September.

They will be buoyed, though, by the 4-0 win over Albania in Tirana on Friday, where Wilson was an unused substitute

Northern Ireland’s senior women’s team last played at Windsor Park in April 2022 when they took on England in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Northern Ireland enter the clash against the Republic at Windsor Park on the back of a 4-0 victory against Albania

“It’s great to see it’s at the National Stadium, and hopefully, we can get a good attendance at it,” said Wilson. “It’s a big game and I’m sure there will be a good crowd. We played them at the Aviva, and the home game is a huge moment for us.

“They have been on a great run and played at the World Cup. We know we need to be at our best and prepared for the challenge.

“I think I’m sitting on about 20 caps and I love playing for Northern Ireland, it’s such an honour to pull on the