Northern Ireland's Oxtoby Urges Team to Seize Moment

Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby is calling on her team to seize the moment and "set the tone" in their crucial Euro 2025 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday night. With both teams vying for the second spot in the group, guaranteeing a seeded place in the play-offs, Oxtoby is emphasizing the importance of a proactive and controlled approach from the outset. Following a professional 2-0 victory over Malta to secure their play-off spot, Northern Ireland is aiming to replicate their patience and clinical edge against Bosnia & Herzegovina, whom they defeated earlier in the campaign. Oxtoby is urging her squad to nullify the opposition's threats and capitalize on their chances in front of a supportive home crowd at Windsor Park. Having shown glimpses of promise in recent performances, including a strong second half against Malta and a spirited first half against Portugal, Oxtoby is now pushing for a complete 90-minute display to conclude the qualifying campaign on a high note and build momentum for the upcoming play-offs in October. With all 23 players available for selection, Oxtoby remains cautious about potential changes given the quick turnaround between matches. She also praised the emergence of young talent Keri Halliday, highlighting the forward's potential and the positive impact she brings to the team dynamic both on and off the pitch. Reflecting on Northern Ireland's progress in the qualifying campaign, Oxtoby acknowledged the significant development the team has undergone but stressed that there is more room for growth and improvement as they aim to solidify their foundation and continue playing their style of football. As Northern Ireland gears up for a crucial showdown against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Oxtoby's strategic approach and emphasis on consistency and performance will be key as the team looks to secure their spot in the play-offs and make their mark on the road to Euro 2025.