Kris Lindsay: What awaits Northern Ireland women’s interim boss?

Lindsay has an early big decision to make in naming an interim captain in the absence of regular skipper Simone Magill.

Magill, who succeeded Marissa Callaghan as her country’s captain in October 2024, will miss the entirety of this World Cup qualification campaign as she is expecting her first child.

There are a number of players who have worn the armband in recent years when Magill has been absent through injury.

The experienced Nadene Caldwell was captain in the two-legged Nations League play-off defeat by Iceland in October.

Laura Rafferty and Sarah McFadden, when they have been fit and included in the squad, were also named skipper on a few occasions under Oxtoby.

Jackie Burns and Rebecca McKenna, who are two of the first names on the team sheet alongside Lauren Wade, have all also captained the side on special occasions such as celebrating their respective 50th caps.

Although it is a young squad, there are evidently a number of experienced and consistent performers who could lead the team out against Switzerland.

Lindsay could also adopt the approach that men’s manager Michael O’Neill has gone for in sharing the armband around for this double-header.