Northern Ireland captain Rebecca McKenna praised new manager Michael McArdle for transforming the squad since his April appointment. McArdle has won two of his first three matches in charge, bringing what McKenna described as a 'breath of fresh air' to the team. The 2-1 defeat to Turkey in Istanbul confirmed Northern Ireland can only finish third in Group B2, despite McArdle's promising start.

McKenna, one of six players remaining from the historic Euro 2022 campaign, believes the squad's youthful energy combined with McArdle's approach creates genuine optimism. She emphasized how both players and manager have 'bought into' the new philosophy, creating excitement around the Northern Ireland setup. The play-off spot for the 2027 World Cup provides a tangible goal for this emerging group.

The captain reflected on the special feeling of reaching major tournaments, having experienced Euro 2022 firsthand. Four years later, McKenna wants the team to create new history and return to elite competition. She stressed that everyone must 'put in the work' to achieve those ambitions, with the play-off pathway offering a realistic route back to the top level.

Northern Ireland's blend of experienced players like McKenna alongside emerging talent under McArdle's guidance positions them well for future campaigns. The play-off spot validates their progress while the manager's early impact suggests sustained improvement rather than short-term fixes.