All you need to know ahead of NI v Romania in Nations League

Northern Ireland are back in Nations League action with a double-header against Romania.

Tanya Oxtoby's side travel to Bucharest on Friday, 4 April, before the sides face off at Windsor Park on Tuesday.

From coverage on BBC iPlayer to the form guide, here's all you need to know ahead of the games.

Who's in and out of the matchday squads?

Northern Ireland will be without key defender Laura Rafferty for the games after the 28-year-old picked up an injury while playing for Rangers.

Glentoran midfielder Chloe McCarron is also missing through injury, while Casey Howe is a long-term absentee.

It is a stable squad for Tanya Oxtoby, with teenager striker Kascie Weir and experienced midfielder Nadene Caldwell retaining their places after being drafted into the panel in February.

The majority of Romania's squad play their football in the domestic league.

One of the few who ply their trade abroad is captain Florentina Olar, who plays for Fortuna Hjorring in Denmark.

The 39-year-old forward has won 180 caps and scored the first of her 24 goals in 2001 - when eight of Northern Ireland's squad weren't even born!

What's the form for both sides been like?

Northern Ireland have won one and lost one of their opening two fixtures in the Nations League.

Their campaign started with a 2-0 defeat by top seeds Poland in Gdansk as the hosts scored two quickfire goals.

It looked to be another disappointing night against Bosnia-Herzegovina, a side Northern Ireland twice defeated in Euro 2025 qualifying last year, as the visitors led 2-1 in the closing stages at Inver Park.

However, captain Simone Magill stepped up with two late goals to rescue Northern Ireland.

Romania, on the other hand, have lost both of their two fixtures to the same opponents.

A heavy 4-0 defeat in Bosnia was followed by a narrow 1-0 loss at home to Poland.

How can I watch and follow the game?

You can watch both games against Romania on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

The first game on in Romania Friday kicks-off at the earlier time of 17:00 BST, while the return fixture at Windsor Park on Tuesday will begin at 19:00 BST.

Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan will be on co-commentary duty alongside Thomas Kane for both matches.

We'll also have a live text commentary of both matches, with in-play clips and highlights on the BBC Sport website after the final whistle.

Save Story