McArdle 'really encouraged' despite Portugal loss

Key points

• Northern Ireland lost their play-off to Portugal 7-1 on aggregate after a 3-1 defeat in Portimao.
• Manager Michael McArdle said the tie is the start of a new identity and that he is really encouraged.
• Five players made their debuts during the double header, including Kess Elmore, who scored Northern Ireland's only goal.

Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle said his team's play-off defeat by Portugal is the start of a new identity, despite a 7-1 aggregate loss. Portugal had a four-goal lead after the first leg at Inver Park and completed the tie with a 3-1 win in Portimao.

Kess Elmore gave Northern Ireland the lead in the second leg, but Portugal fought back to win on the night.

What McArdle said

McArdle told BBC Sport NI he was really proud of the brave style of play but said the team must be patient moving forward. He called the camp great for new players and said he is really encouraged, adding that he told the group it is the start of a new move forward and a new identity.

He also said the side set a real enthusiastic marker during the tough tie, and that he was proud but also frustrated with the scoreline.

I am really encouraged, personally, moving forward. I have said to the group that this is the start of a new move forward and the start of a new identity moving forward.

— Michael McArdle

Squad depth and debuts

McArdle gave five players their debuts during the Portugal double header. Elmore, one of those debutants, scored Northern Ireland's only goal of the tie and became the second player to score on her debut under McArdle, after Emily Cassap netted against Switzerland in June.

Key players including captain Simone Magill and the experienced Laura Rafferty, Nadene Caldwell and Caragh Hamilton were missing. Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan said the performance against Portugal felt assured and that it feels like something very special is going to come up.