Northern Ireland: Scoring on debut ‘unbelievable’, says Emily Cassap

Northern Ireland debutant Emily Cassap said her strike just 66 seconds after her introduction was “probably the best goal I have ever scored”.

Michael McArdle’s side were 2-0 down with five minutes to go after strikes from Geraldine Reuteler and Smilla Vallotto before Cassap made an instant impact off the bench and halved their lead through a stunning shot.

This international window has been the teenager’s first camp after making the switch from England, where she played at underage level, to Northern Ireland, earlier in the year.

“I mean I was so surprised when the ball came to me, I just thought ‘let’s hit it’ and I’m so glad it went in,” Cassap told BBC Sport NI.

“I think it’s probably the best goal I’ve scored, I just thought I’ll have a go and it was unbelievable.

“Switzerland were top opposition, they moved the ball really well and they were really clever with the play, but I think we really went toe-to-toe with them and gave them a good fight. Unfortunately we couldn’t get a result, but I thought we played really well.”

The Sunderland midfielder qualifies for Northern Ireland through parentage and was a part of NI Under-19s, where she impressed in a short space of time.

Cassap is now the second player that NI manager Michael McArdle has handed their senior debut to after Linfield’s Cora Chambers made her first appearance during the last international window.

“It’s just been a great experience overall being in camp and I was really delighted to get my debut and that’s just a bonus,” she continued.

“Lots of my family live in Belfast so they all came out to support, so I think they’re all delighted.

“Michael [McArdle] was just delighted for us. He said it’s a great goal.”