Chris Lindsay: What lies ahead for Northern Ireland’s interim Women’s President?

Lindsay has to make a big decision early to appoint an interim captain in the absence of regular captain Simon Magill.

Magill, who succeeds Marissa Callaghan as captain of her national team in October 2024, will miss the entire World Cup qualifying campaign as she is expecting her first child.

There are a number of players who have worn the captaincy in recent years when Magill has been sidelined through injury.

The experienced Nadine Caldwell captained the team in a two-legged UEFA Nations League qualifier against Iceland in October.

Laura Rafferty and Sarah McFadden, when fit and included in the squad, were also named captains on a few occasions under Oxtoby.

Jackie Burns and Rebecca McKenna, two of the first names on the team sheet along with Lauren Wade, have all also captained the team on special occasions such as celebrating their 50th cap.

Although the team is young, it is clear that there are a number of experienced and proven players who can lead the team against Switzerland.

Lindsay could also adopt the approach taken by men’s manager Michael O’Neill in sharing the captaincy in this double header.