NI will have 'one last swing' at World Cup place

Boss Michael McArdle says Northern Ireland will have "one last swing" at trying to reach a first Women's World Cup as they look to overcome a four-goal play-off deficit in Portugal. Michael McArdle took over as Northern Ireland manager in March Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle says his side will have "one last swing" at trying to reach a first Women's World Cup as they look to overcome a four-goal play-off deficit in Portugal. Portugal backed up their favourite's tag as they ran out 4-0 winners in the first leg at Inver Park on Friday night. That result led to McArdle saying that the hopes of a first World Cup had gone from "improbable to impossible".

But, speaking in Portugal before Tuesday's second leg, which will be shown on BBC iPlayer, the 48-year-old believes a strong start can turn the momentum towards his side. "We're always positive, and from that perspective it's another opportunity for us to learn and put ourselves toe-to-toe with them," McArdle told BBC Sport NI's Faith Harper in Portiamo. "If we end up in front first or how the game goes, it could turn back from impossible to improbable again, and go in the other direction." McArdle handed debuts to Linfield defender Jane McMaster, Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore, who made a lively appearance off the