Rachel Dugdale: Northern Ireland will not take Play-Off victory for granted

Northern Ireland's Rachel Dugdale

Defender Rachel Dugdale has promised that Northern Ireland will stick to their principles in the Gradski Stadion on Friday afternoon.

Tanya Oxtoby’s team must defeat Montenegro over two legs to retain their place in Nations League B. Friday first leg (1pm) in Podgorica will be followed by the return leg at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.

While Northern Ireland are favourites to triumph, Dugdale (née Newborough) says the team are not taking their opponents for grants.

The Reading star said: “It’s an exciting game to be part of but obviously there’s a bit of pressure there.

“We’ve had a lot of information to take on board, and we’re working on our principles of play.

“I think you will see those principles on the pitch. Montenegro will be a difficult game, but we know the way we want to play.

“We won’t be taken the game for granted at all. We want to get on the ball and express ourselves, but we’re also aware of their threats.

“We have a lot of experienced international players who have played in these sorts of situations before.

“We talk a lot about the opponents, particular over the dinner table. There’s a buzz about the squad – we’re determined to go out there and get the win.”

Dugdale’s teammate Lauren Perry is also enjoying the training camp buzz. The Montrose goalkeeper – still just 22 – was sidelined for almost two years by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The former Linfield and Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper is enjoying working with former men’s international goalkeeper Roy Carroll, who is the women’s senior team’s goalkeeping coach.

Perry said: “I want to get back into the starting lineup but I know I have work to do. For now, I’m just happy to be back in the squad and working