Northern Ireland 0-4 Portugal: NI debut 'something that I thought had passed' - Kess 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 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 because now going into these games, I feel pretty confident in what I can do and what I can bring."

'I just wanted to come on and bring energy'

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

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

"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."

While the Northern Ireland fans will feel a lot of disappointment after the four-goal defeat, Elmore's performance offered an encouraging glimpse of what she could bring to the young squad.

She was also just one of three players who earned their first cap against Portugal, underlining McArdle's determination to wide his options and build depth within the squad.

Can Elmore offer NI a new attacking dimension?

Despite Elmore normally playing on either the wing or in midfield for Sparta Prague, she spent much of her time at Inver Park leading the NI line as a lone striker.

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. I mean, 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) but face a tough task.

"I think with Kess come 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."