McArdle 'really encouraged' despite Portugal loss

Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle says their play-off defeat by Portugal is "the start of a new identity" despite their heavy 7-1 aggregate loss. Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle said their play-off defeat by Portugal is "the start of a new identity" despite their heavy 7-1 aggregate loss. Portugal showed their ruthlessness during the first leg at Inver Park and had a four-goal advantage ahead of the second leg. Kess Elmore's strike gave Northern Ireland the lead in Portimao, but the home side fought back and won 3-1 on the night. "I'm really proud with the brave style of play but we have got to be patient moving forward," McArdle told BBC Sport NI.

"It's been a great camp for new players to come in. Now, I feel the profile of players, the energy they are bringing, the effort that they are putting in and the condition that they are in to compete at this level. "I am really encouraged, personally, moving forward. I have said to the group that this is the start of a new move forward and the start of a new identity moving forward." McArdle has shown throughout his tenure so far that he is keen to expand Northern Ireland's squad depth and gave four players their debuts during the Portugal double header. One of those