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 marked the start of a long-awaited first foray into senior international football.

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, 27, was a surprise call-up for the play-off double-header against Portugal, who are ranked 22nd in the Fifa ranking.

She was involved in an NI training camp in 2021, but had not received an official call-up since 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 because now going into these games, I feel pretty confident in what I can do and what I can bring."

Elmore's debut came on a difficult evening for Northern Ireland, who struggled against a clinical Portugal side.

However, her performance offered an encouraging glimpse of what she could offer going forward and she was one of three players who earned their first cap against Portugal, underlining McArdle's determination to widen his options and build depth within the squad.

"I had no idea whether I'd make my debut or not, but I got told at half-time that I'd be coming on and, obviously, that was really nice to hear," she continued.

"I just wanted to come on and bring energy and work for the team. Portugal had a lot of momentum in the first half, so I kind of wanted to shift that in our favour and I feel like the second half was a lot better.

"So, I'm happy that I could contribute to that. We knew it was going to be a very defensive game for us but huge respect to Portugal and what they can do."

Despite Elmore normally playing as a winger or in midfield for Sparta Prague, she spent much of her time at Inver Park as a lone striker.

Elmore gave her side a different dimension to their attack, with the debutant bringing energy and movement in the final third.

For a player who has already tested herself on some of European football's biggest club stages, including the Champions League and Europa League this year, Elmore added this was another challenge she would embrace.

"That was the first time playing centre-forward for a very long time, since university.

"I like any of the attacking positions and anywhere attacking, I'm happy to play. Anywhere the team needs me, I'm happy to be there."

Manager McArdle also believes the England youth international can add to the squad, who will now travel to Portimao on Tuesday (19:45 BST) for the second leg without striker Cora Chambers, who was sent off late on for a hair pull on Carolina Correia

"I think with Kess coming on, obviously making her debut as well, I think that brings a nice energy," McArdle said.

"I'm grateful that we've all seen Kess because you'll see what I see now. There is someone here who can add to the group and give us something going forward and in the final third, so delighted that she's gone on the pitch."