Northern Ireland's Nadene Caldwell said the side has to get "comfortable with being uncomfortable" as they prepare to face Iceland in their promotion/relegation play-off against Iceland.

NI are aiming to reach League A for the first time since the introduction of the Nations League in 2023.

They are up against an Iceland side that qualified for Euro 2025 and are ranked 27 places higher than NI.

"They're a top side, they are in League A for a reason, and we know we are going to be up against it and we're going to have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, we have worked on that, and we are prepared for it," Caldwell told BBC Sport NI's Nicola McCarthy.

With Oxtoby missing a host of experienced centre-backs, Caldwell - a midfielder by trade - is braced to fill in once again in the heart of the defence as she has done on numerous occasions for her country.

"It can be a bit of a curse sometimes but I'm just happy to play wherever the team needs me.

"Sometimes international football can throw these hiccups along the way and it is how we adjust and react. We still have to put up a good performance regardless."

Northern Ireland will be without a host of regulars for Friday's encounter with Iceland with captain Simone Magill joining Laura Rafferty, Ellie Mason, Chloe McCarron and Brenna McPartlan on the sidelines.

Birmingham City forward Magill was present at training at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Thursday and will also be with the squad before the first leg, which Caldwell believes will boost the young players in the squad.

"It is good to have her in and around the squad again," Caldwell added.

"She's a massive player for us but her being out, it gives other players the opportunity to showcase what they can do."

Caldwell says it is a huge test for a depleted squad, but one they will use as a yardstick to see how far away they are from competing with the higher-ranked nations.

"Are we ready for League A? We will find out. We knew the levels it takes to get there, she said.

"All we can do is give a good account of ourselves and it will show us where we are at."