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

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

McArdle started in the role on 1 April after becoming Appointed in early MarchAnd have won two out of three games so far.

Following NI Loss to Turkey in Istanbul On Friday, they could only finish third in Group B2. However, they are still guaranteed 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 bought into it. It’s exciting for the future.

“I think going forward, we all want to be in a big tournament. It’s exciting and we have to do the work. Hopefully, one day we’ll have that experience again.”

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

Now, four years later, McKenna wants the team to once again write their name in the history books.

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

“You get the feeling of being in a big tournament. It gives you the feeling of being there again.

“Everybody has to work and I know everybody will. Hopefully, one day we’ll get the rewards.”