Northern Ireland: Youthful NI squad has exciting future ahead – McKenna

Northern Ireland captain Rebecca McKenna said new manager Michael McArdle has “brought a breath of fresh air” since taking over at the helm.

McArdle started in the role on 1 April after being appointed in early March, and has won two of three games so far.

Following NI’s defeat by Turkey in Istanbul on Friday, they can only finish third in Group B2. However, they have still secured a play-off spot for the 2027 World Cup in the autumn.

“We’re still getting to know him and he’s still getting to know us but, since he’s come in, it’s been a breath of fresh air,” McKenna told BBC Sport NI.

“He’s really bought into it and everyone here has also bought into it. It’s exciting for the future.

“I think going forward, we all want to be at a major tournament. It is exciting and we’ve just got to put the work in. Hopefully, one day we’ll get to experience that again.”

McKenna is one of six players who were involved in the squad who made history by competing at Euro 2022.

Now, four years later, McKenna wants the side to push on and write their names in the history books once again.

“When we qualified for the Euros, it was a great feeling,” she continued.

“You get a feeling of being at one major tournament. It gives you that feeling to get there again.

“Everyone’s just got to put in the work and I know everyone will. Hopefully, one day we’ll get the rewards.”