Michael McArdle: What drives the Northern Ireland manager?

In his career in football, McArdle has held a number of coaching, academy and development positions.

Before he joined Northern Ireland, he was head of elite women’s football at the Scottish FA, and also had a brief interim spell in charge of their senior team.

While the belief is there, McArdle knows he is working on something longer-term, and that can be seen in the make-up of a young squad, which has been hit by a number of injuries to senior players.

While his first two international windows came in quick succession, with two victories over Malta followed by losses to Turkey and Switzerland, the summer has allowed him to spend time around the Women’s Premiership in Northern Ireland, building relationships with players and those working in the league.

“I was still getting to know them as people, not as footballers, so that was really important for me to build those relationships.

“Not just the players, either. Getting to know the head coaches a bit more and some of the clubs at boardroom level, to understand how can I serve them and help the club evolution, the domestic league and pathways as well.”

While captain Simone Magill is a big loss for the play-offs, she will be with the group for the camp as she builds towards a return to action and provide experience to what is a young group of players.

Not only that, but she will have her newborn daughter, Skye, with her for the duration. McArdle says having those moments are “special”.

“Having Simone, Mark and Skye on camp is great. First of all for Simone and Mark to experience what the future is like when Simone’s representing Northern Ireland.

“It gives us that window of opportunity and it’s something we’ve planned together over the summer months.

“I think that’s crucial because it’s one thing knowing the players and the girls that represent us, but also the families that support them as well.

“I’m very passionate about that and I don’t underestimate the power of it.”