Caragh Hamilton hoping to help Northern Ireland set record qualification tally

Victory in Latvia today would leave Kenny Shiels’ players on 19 points after 10 fixtures, having already secured third spot in the group behind England and Austria.

Caragh Hamilton will be aiming to build on her welcome return from a five-month injury absence at international level in Friday’s 2-1 win over Luxembourg.

The Glentoran player suffered a thigh injury earlier in the year and, as a result, was forced to miss out on Northern Ireland’s landmark first-ever tournament appearance at EURO 2022.

“It felt like a long time,” she said on the official Irish FA website. “I am no stranger to injuries.

“And I have been out long-term in the past, but that one definitely felt more painful just with the timing of the Euros.

“I set myself a target to be back for these September games and I have achieved that.

“And it was nice to get a good chunk of time on the pitch.

“It was really good, however obviously the win is the most important thing.”

She continued, in advance of Latvia: “I am sure they (Latvia) will have done their homework on us and I am expecting that they will be tough opposition.

“It’s always difficult playing away from home.

“It’s important that we build on the other night and make sure that we are setting ourselves up well for games in the future.”