Northern Ireland: Former interim Scotland coach Michael McArdle has been appointed manager

Michael McArdle, head of women’s football at the Scottish FA and former interim Scotland coach, has been appointed Northern Ireland coach.

McArdle, who is Tanya Oxtoby’s permanent successor, will replace interim coach Chris Lindsay, who managed Northern Ireland’s opening two defeats to Switzerland and Turkey in World Cup qualifiers last week, and will return to his role as Northern Ireland Under-16s coach.

Glasgow McArdle will begin his role on 1 April and will captain NI in their remaining qualifiers, starting with a double-header against Malta at home on 14 and away on 18 April.

The former Ayr United assistant took charge of Scotland’s first four First Nations League matches last year – all defeats – as the Scots searched for their permanent coach in Melissa Andreatta.

Once the Australian was appointed, McArdle returned to his lofty role within the SFA, which included managing various youth teams, including most recently the Scotland Under-23s, while being responsible for identifying and developing talent and creating pathways to the national team.

McArdle said “history and ambition” attracted him to the role.

He continued: “This is a group in transition, where exciting young talent is developing at international level while maintaining its competitiveness.”

“There is a good balance of experience alongside a generation of outstanding players currently, and I want to support them with the elite level structures needed to turn that potential into a consistent national standard.

“Fans can expect a team that is disciplined, fearless in possession and relentless off the ball, continuing to reflect the hard-working character that defines Northern Ireland teams.”