NI debut 'something I thought had passed' – Elmore

Northern Ireland's World Cup hopes may have all but come to an end against Portugal, but for Kess Elmore the 4-0 defeat marks the start of a long-awaited international journey. Northern Ireland's World Cup hopes may have all but come to an end against Portugal, but for Kess Elmore the 4-0 defeat marked the start of a long-awaited international journey. After a ruthless first-half display from Portugal in Larne gave them a comfortable advantage at the break, Elmore's half-time introduction made an impact for Northern Ireland, who were much improved after the interval. Elmore was a surprise call-up for the play-off double header against world number 22-ranked Portugal after having been involved in an NI training camp in 2021 and thought her chance to pull on a green shirt was over.

"I wasn't expecting Michael to call me. It was in the back of my mind, but definitely something that I kind of thought had passed," Elmore said. "I've played in a lot of teams with a lot of different formations, tactics and, over the years, I have gained a real understanding of the game. So, hopefully I can bring a bit of that experience into the squad because we do have a young squad and I bring an attacking presence. "It's great to have those experiences under my belt