Northern Ireland: The new face of managerial disaster – NI’s qualifications campaign

Northern Ireland will reflect on a number of targets taken during the campaign which could have been avoided.

They could face similar opposition to Switzerland in the autumn play-offs as they aim to qualify for their first World Cup finals at the sixth attempt.

A goalkeeping error by Lauren Perry that gifted Turkey the winning goal in Lurgan will be a moment to look back on, as will two goals conceded at home against group winners Switzerland.

A challenge for McArdle will be making sure to minimize those mistakes ahead of the upcoming playoffs as the opposition will be ranked higher and likely make NIK pay for their mistakes.

Despite admitting his side’s mistakes, the Northern Ireland boss believes they will use them to their advantage during the play-offs.

“We’re very ambitious, we’re not just going to be in the play-offs, we’re going there to try and win and try and qualify for the World Cup,” he said.

“We have a strong belief that there are mistakes and opportunities to learn.

“We’ll use it to move forward and strengthen and then, in turn, hopefully attract future talent along the way but also those who are qualified.”