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Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby has called on fans to show up in their numbers after it was confirmed the senior women’s side will take on the Republic of Ireland at Windsor Park next month.

For the first time since England’s visit in April 2022, Northern Ireland Women will return to the National Stadium in Belfast for their final Nations League clash.

Oxtoby’s side currently sit third in their four-team group ahead of a final double-header against Albania (away, December 1) before rounding out an inaugural campaign against local rivals four days later.

They are unbeaten at home under new boss Oxtoby after defeating Albania 1-0 and drawing 1-1 against Hungary at Seaview on Tuesday night following Danielle Maxwell’s 80th minute equaliser, and the Australian-born boss feels her side deserve an occasion like this in front of their supporters.

"The occasion warrants it,” she said. “We look at the numbers we got for the reverse fixture in terms of the support that the game got and I think we are in a great position to replicate that.

"The fans deserve the opportunity to come and fill that stadium.

"It's massive. When you play at home you want to feel like the crowd is your 12th player on the pitch.

"I know our fans are loud and proud so if we can play at a bigger stadium and get more numbers in the door it's only going to continue to grow that atmosphere for us.

"I would call on everybody to come and support women's football and us."

Tanya Oxtoby calls on fans to get behind Northern Ireland in Windsor Park clash with Republic of Ireland