Tiegan Ruddy has called on her side to show "pride" ahead of the Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17s clash with the Faroe Islands on Wednesday night.
The Under 17s prepare to open their UEFA European Championship campaign in Turner's Cross in the first of three qualifying round games.
"I think we all click, on and off the pitch, and that definitely helps us because we all want the same thing - to qualify for the finals. But we know that we have to focus on the first game and win that before anything else," said Ruddy.
"There will be a great buzz playing at home and pride does come into it too as we don't want to be beaten at home. But we won't underestimate Faroe Islands and we will focus on doing what we have to do to get the win."
Should they make it through to the Elite Round of the competition, the finals will take place next summer in Czech Republic.
Midfielder Megan Mackey said her side are aware of the challenge ahead and despite the excitement, will remain looking at the task at hand.
"We will focus on the first game, against Faroe Islands, and hopefully we can do enough to win that and make a statement that we want to get to the finals," said Mackey.
Dave Bell's side will also take on Belarus and Iceland in their group in the hopes of qualifying for the final.
Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17s Team
Goalkeepers: Erica Turner, Rachael Kelly (Shelbourne Ladies)
Defenders: Aoife Lynagh, Lucia Lobato (Salthill Devon), Lauryn Grier (Kentstown Rovers), Sadhbh Doyle, Rachel Baynes (Galway WFC), Tara Mannix (Cork City WFC), Orla Casey (Evergreen)
Midfielders: Tiegan Ruddy, Doireann Fahey, Chloe Singleton (Peamount United), Alannah McEvoy (Enniskerry), Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Megan Mackey (Chelsea Ladies)
Forwards: Heather Payne, Carla McManus (Peamount United), Isibeal Carolan (Enniskerry)
Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17s Fixtures
Wednesday, October 26: Republic of Ireland v Faroe Islands, Turner's Cross, KO 19:00
Friday, October 28: Republic of Ireland v Belarus, Turner's Cross, KO 19:00
Monday, October 31: Republic of Ireland v Iceland, Turner's Cross, KO 19:00
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
