Fifa Women's World Cup European qualifying Group 3: Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland (Mourneview Park, 7.30pm)
PLAYERS tend to focus only on the next game but Northern Ireland women's captain Marissa Callaghan has an eye on the long-term future too.
Part of the coaching set-up when NI hosted the recent U19 Euros, she hopes to continue encouraging interest in the women's game, explaining:
"Our problem is that we don't have enough players – the big countries have thousands and thousands to pick from.
"Media exposure is going to get young girls involved in the sport. That's what we aim to do, inspire the young girls, make them realise that football is for them and that it's a great sport for girls.
"There are some fantastic opportunities to travel the world and become full-time professional players.
"Simone Magill, for example, came from Mid-Ulster, played in the local league, then went to study in England and has now got a full-time contract with Everton.
"She has really worked hard; it just shows, if you have that right attitude then anything is possible. Young girls should look up to her and think: 'You know what? I can achieve this if I want it'."
Tonight's World Cup qualifier at home to the Republic of Ireland at Mourneview Park should certainly attract interest, especially with free admission and a pre-match fanzone from 5.30 this evening.
The Cliftonville Ladies midfielder is also optimistic that the hosts can get a good result tonight after losing the group opener 4-1 in Norway:
"We're going into the game feeling really positive. We've been in camp since last Monday and the girls have been working hard preparing for this game.
"This is our big game, we're aiming to get three points from it. The mindset is good, we believe we can go out and give a performance.
"It's exciting for us to be playing the Republic, obviously because it is a home derby. We haven't played them in a competitive fixture ever so I think it'll be good for the game and good for the fans, we would encourage people to come along and watch".
