Kris Lindsay calls for Northern Ireland 'to be brave' in bid to seal opening World Cup qualifying victory
Northern Ireland women’s interim manager Kris Lindsay has called for his side “to be brave” as they look to pick up a first World Cup qualifying victory over Türkiye at Mourneview Park on Saturday evening.
Former Dungannon Swifts chief Lindsay was placed in charge for Northern Ireland’s opening two fixtures by the Irish FA following the departure of Tanya Oxtoby to Newcastle United in November.
His temporary reign began with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in Lausanne on Tuesday in what will likely be Northern Ireland’s toughest assignment of their qualifying campaign.
While the Swiss sit 19 places higher than Northern Ireland in FIFA’s world rankings, Türkiye are 13 spots lower than Lindsay’s side – but are fresh off a 3-0 victory over Malta.
Seeded in pot two at the draw for League B, Northern Ireland are projected to progress into at least a play-off as they look to seal their spot at a major tournament being hosted by Brazil next year.
"It’ll be a different game, but we have to respect them, they had a good result against Malta, winning 3-0,” said Lindsay ahead of their weekend test. “They have threats.
"Our out of possession shape and desire to move across the pitch is something we need in every game – you can’t win international matches if you’re not prepared to do that work.
"We need to then improve in possession, our decision-making and when to go to the space a little bit more.
"If we can do that, we have players that can cause threats and score goals.
"I’m really pleased with Leyla (McFarland) playing as a nine, it’s not overly natural to her but she had a really solid performance, and Kascie Weir looked lively when she came on, same as Mia Moore, another young player who was involved.
"If we can build on out out of possession and then build when we’re in possession, our decision-making on when to play the pass, our decision-making on when to take the touch and when to play.
"We need to tidy those things up and have the confidence to try things...we’re not going to shout and scream if players make mistakes, we want them to be brave and get on the ball.”