Ruesha Littlejohn relishing challenge of Windsor Park derby

Ruesha Littlejonh is relishing the challenge of a Windsor Park derby as the Republic of Ireland prepare to wrap up their UEFA Nations League campaign with a clash against Northern Ireland.

The Girls in Green have comfortably won the group, clocking up five wins out of five, including a 3-0 defeat of the North at the Aviva Stadium in September.

But there's no sense that they'll take the opportunity to experiment tomorrow night. Ireland are travelling to Belfast braced for a battle and targeting another victory.

"They're going to be up for it, we know a couple of girls in their team," said Littlejohn, who returned to the side against Hungary last Friday for the first time since the summer's World Cup.

"We've not spoken to them too much but we know how passionate they are to play for the North. It's exciting, I'm really looking forward to it. It's been a few years since I've taken part in a game like this.

"We're looking to get another three points, we want to win. We know it's going to be a tough game. They're going to want to take points off us on their home patch in their own national stadium too so it's going to be a massive game but we're looking forward to it."

Littlejohn has missed most of the Nations League due a quad injury, however she's seen enough in the last week to be believe things are moving in the direction, with interim boss Gleeson proving a calming influence in the wake of Vera Pauw's drawn-out departure.

A permanent successor to Pauw is expected to be announced in the next couple of weeks, with Littlejohn adding: "I think Eileen's done a great job. The staff are into it, it's running smoothly. We're with people who are really, really good at what they do, and I think we'll see that on the pitch soon.

"Obviously