Northern Ireland: ‘Unbelievable’ to score on debut, says Emily Cassap

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

Michael McArdle’s side were 2-0 down after five minutes with strikes from Geraldine Reutler and Smila Valotto before Cassap made an immediate impact off the bench and halved their lead with a stunning shot.

This international window marks the teenager’s first camp since switching from England, where he played at minor level for Northern Ireland earlier in the year.

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

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

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

The Sunderland midfielder qualified for Northern Ireland through his parents and was a part of the NI Under-19s, where he impressed in no time.

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

“It was a great experience overall in the camp and I was really delighted to make my debut and that’s just a bonus,” he continued.

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

“Michael (McArdle) was delighted for us. He said it was a great goal.”