Oxtoby wants progression and results against Hungary

Tanya Oxtoby won her first game as Northern Ireland manager against Albania in September

Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby says she wants to see progression from her team but football is a "results-based business".

Her side face Hungary in Gyor on Friday in the first of a double-header.

"It's going to be a difficult game, especially playing each other back-to-back," Oxtoby said.

"That will throw up a couple of different challenges, but also opportunities for us as well."

While Northern Ireland sit second in League B Group One after the opening two fixtures, Hungary's sole point came against Albania in their opener before a heavy defeat by the Republic in their second match.

Oxtoby says she has watched the games back and Hungary were unlucky not to get more out of the game against Albania, adding she is "anticipating that they are going to cause some problems for us".

"We want to see progression in terms of the things we have been working on, but ultimately it's a results-based business," Oxtoby added.

"At the end of the day we want to try and win both games. With the competitor in me, that is our start point.

"I know we have the squad to be able to do what we need to do, we just need to get together to give ourselves every opportunity."

After the first game in Gyor, Hungary will travel to Belfast on Tuesday to take on a Northern Ireland side that have not lost a competitive game at Seaview in four years.

"You always want to make your home games a fortress, if you like," Oxtoby added.

"It can make it really difficult for teams to come and get anything from the game.

"For us, we know if we put in a good performance in that first game away from home then that will set us up really, really well to come back to Seaview, hopefully in front of a big crowd, to get a positive result.

"There will be learnings from the first game as well, which is the opportunity that we want as a group. It's going to be a real challenge but one we are looking forward to."

Door still open for Nelson

One notable name that has been absent from Oxtoby's first two Northern Ireland squads is defender Julie Nelson.

Northern Ireland's most-capped player returned to action in the summer following a knee injury but has not been included.

Despite her omission, Oxtoby says the "door is open" for the 38-year-old, who famously scored Northern Ireland's first goal at a major tournament against Norway at the 2022 Euros.

"Every single player has been told the door is open," Oxtoby added. "That hasn't changed from day one.

"From my point of view, the door will continue to be open for Julie and every other player.

"The squad has done a great job in the last window so it's just one of those things, it's unfortunate for those not involved but fortunate for those involved.

"Football can change really quickly so we will always keep the door open for every player."