Following Tanya Oxtoby's departure, Kris Lindsay has been appointed as the interim manager for the Northern Ireland women's team. He takes charge for crucial World Cup 2027 qualifiers against Switzerland and Turkey in March. Lindsay faces immediate challenges, including selecting a new captain due to Simone Magill's absence, and identifying a consistent goal scorer.

One of Lindsay's initial tasks will be to name a replacement for the regular skipper, Simone Magill, who is expecting a child. Experienced players like Nadene Caldwell, Laura Rafferty, and Sarah McFadden have worn the armband previously. He will also need to find a striker to fill the gap left by Magill, who is second in the NI women's goalscoring charts.

Furthermore, Lindsay must address the fitness of domestic-based players, who are in pre-season. With the Women's Premiership starting in April, he needs to ensure they are match-ready for the qualifiers. The team will aim to improve their defensive solidity, as they only managed one clean sheet in the previous year.

With only two games in charge, Lindsay will need to quickly establish his backroom staff and decide on his tactics. He may seek assistance from former interim managers and existing staff members. The upcoming matches are vital for setting the tone for the World Cup qualifying campaign, making these decisions very important.