Michael McArdle: Northern Ireland ‘should dream’ of World Cup

McArdle was appointed Northern Ireland manager after Tanya Oxtoby stepped down to become first-team manager at Newcastle United.

Following Oxtoby’s departure, Kris Lindsay was introduced as interim manager for the opening two World Cup qualifiers.

McArdle was head of elite women’s football at the Scottish IFA and managed the Scottish national side on an interim basis last year.

“I am hugely proud and excited to be here,” McArdle continued.

“I know a lot about the players, the squad and the exciting pieces of potential both of the senior players and also the young, exciting talent which is growing through the pipeline.

“That is why my skills align – I develop players and coaches and I develop myself through that.”

Northern Ireland are going through a period of transition with many key figures retiring in recent years and younger players breaking into the squad.

McArdle added that it is key to assess the younger players and that he will attend the upcoming U17 European Championships in Northern Ireland in May.

“The pipeline of the younger player’s is crucial,” he continued.

“In over a month, I will be here a lot to see the under-17s play, see the future and also align that future to the senior team.

“A lot of my work will be aligning what the underage coaches do to the national team.”