Women’s Nations League: ‘Our demands and standards are higher’ – NI’s Rachel Furness

Women's Nations League: 'Our demands and standards are higher' - NI's Rachel Furness


Rachel Furness scored her first WSL goal for Bristol City against Arsenal on Sunday
Rachel Furness scored her first WSL goal for Bristol City against Arsenal on Sunday
Venue: Alcufer Stadion, Gyor Date: Friday, 27 October Kick-off: 17:15 BST
Coverage: Live stream on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website; live text and report on the BBC Sport website

Northern Ireland midfielder Rachel Furness is expecting a “more intense” second camp under new manager Tanya Oxtoby in the Women’s Nations League.

Oxtoby’s first two matches in September brought a defeat by the Republic of Ireland and a win over Albania.

NI face a Hungary double-header, with Friday’s away match followed by the home fixture on Tuesday.

“We want to embed our principles and our style of play, plus our demands and standards are higher,” said Furness.

“In football, momentum is huge. The last camp was busy and we have a lot to learn, but all the girls and very open and we’re willing to try new things.

“I’m happy to be a sponge this week and learn as much as I can off Tanya, and I’m excited.”

Despite a disappointing result in Dublin in the first match under Oxtoby, who replaced Kenny Shiels as manager, Northern Ireland hit back in League B Group One with a victory over Albania at Seaview.

Hungary drew with the Albanians in their opening match before being hammered by the Republic, but Furness, 35, warns that will make the hosts dangerous on Friday.

“We’ve seen plenty of analysis and know they are a very good team,” said the Bristol City midfielder.

“First of all, we are working on ourselves and how we can implement how we want to play and how we can dictate the game.

“I think it’s really important that everyone buys in and wants to do this together, because individually we can’t achieve anything.

“We move together as a squad and everyone here is delighted to be here and fighting for a shirt. Tanya has made it clear that it goes on how you train, which I think is fantastic for the squad.

“We have a good idea of individuals and ways they play, so we’ll be best prepared as we can for the challenge.

“We’ll be going for the win. We’re very respectful of the opposition, but we’ll put the hard work in on the training pitch and we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”

‘I’m confident, fit and ready’

Tanya Oxtoby and Rachel Furness
Furness says she is ready for whatever role is required under Tanya Oxtoby in the double-header with Romania

After leaving Liverpool, Furness joined Bristol City in January and helped the Robins to promotion to the Women’s Super League.

She admits she thought she would have had more of a squad role to play for City in the top flight, but she has been a key playerso far, starting and scoring in their narrow 2-1 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday night.

“It was a fantastic feeling to get my first league goal this season in front of a record crowd [of 12,088],” she said on Monday morning after an early flight to Belfast.

“It was just unfortunate we couldn’t get over the line and get a result, but it was a very proud moment.

“I stayed at Bristol because I wanted to help both on and off the pitch. I could have dropped down the leagues – I’m realistic. I’m 35 and competing in the WSL every week is difficult at my age.

“It’s a challenge but I go in every day and try to lift those around me. We have a fantastic squad of young and inexperienced players, but I’m just trying to lead them as best I can but I’m thriving off it.

“I’m so happy going in every day, on and off the pitch. I’m in a good place mentally and physically and I think that brings the best out of me.

“I’m confident, I’m fit and ready and I’m overjoyed to be here right now. However I’m needed this next week for Northern Ireland, I’m ready.”



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