Rachel Furness doesn’t expect Republic of Ireland coaching row to play into Northern Ireland’s hands
Rachel Furness doesn’t doubt the Republic of Ireland’s focus
Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer Rachel Furness does not believe the Republic of Ireland’s internal strife will affect Saturday’s Nations League opener in Dublin.
The Republic’s World Cup campaign was overshadowed by an in-camp feud, with manager Vera Pauw axed after the tournament. In the build-up to this weekend’s Irish derby, the row has rumbled on with defender Diane Caldwell claiming the Girls in Green qualified for Australia ‘in spite’ of the Dutchwoman.
Despite the rumblings of discontent, Furness believes Eileen Gleeson’s team will be fully focused come kick-off.
She said: “First of all, we’re just focusing on ourselves, what we can do well, how we can impose ourselves on the game.
“Yes, they might have had some unsettling times but they’re coming back from a World Cup, a successful one for their nation, so they’ll have a buzz off that.
“Playing at the Aviva, it’s like a homecoming for them. Even if it’s been an unsettled period for them, they can still take a lot of positives from the last few months.
“But I know how good they are from watching that World Cup. I don’t think they’ll be distracted as much as some may think.
“I’m not reading too much into it being an unsettled camp. I think they’ll be very focused and we have to make sure we’re just as focused and ready for what is going to be a very tough game.”
While all eyes are on the Republic, it’s also a big game for Northern Ireland, with Tanya Oxtoby set to take charge for the first time.
Furness has been impressed by the Australian-born coach, who was appointed earlier this month.
The Bristol City star said: “First impressions have been very good.
“There’s a lot of information, different
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