Michael McArdle: Northern Ireland “must be dreaming” of the World Cup

McArdle has been appointed Northern Ireland coach after Tanya Oktobi stepped down to become first-team manager at Newcastle United.

Following Oxtoby’s departure, Chris Lindsay was introduced as caretaker manager for the first two World Cup qualifiers.

McArdle was head of women’s football at the Scottish FA, and coached the Scottish national team on an interim basis last year.

“I’m very proud and excited to be here,” McArdle continued.

“I know a lot about the players, the team and the exciting potential of both the senior players as well as the exciting young talent growing through the pipeline.

“That’s why my skills match, I develop players and coaches and I develop myself through that.”

Northern Ireland is going through a period of transition with several key figures retiring in recent years and younger players joining the team.

McArdle added that it is important to evaluate young players and that he will attend the upcoming European Under-17 Championships in Northern Ireland in May.

“A younger player pipeline is critical,” he continued.

“In just over a month, I will be here more often to see the Under-17s play, see the future and also align that future with the first team.

“A lot of my work will be to align what the underage coaches do with the national team.”