"Lindsay has an early big decision to make in naming an interim captain in the absence of regular skipper Simone Magill. Magill, who succeeded Marissa Callaghan as her country's captain in October 2024, will miss the entirety of this World Cup qualification campaign as she is expecting her first child. There are a number of players who have worn the armband in recent years when Magill has been absent through injury."
"The experienced Nadene Caldwell was captain in the two-legged Nations League play-off defeat by Iceland in October. Laura Rafferty and Sarah McFadden, when they have been fit and included in the squad, were also named skipper on a few occasions under Oxtoby. Jackie Burns and Rebecca McKenna, who are two of the first names on the team sheet alongside Lauren Wade, have all also captained the side on special occasions such as celebrating their respective 50th caps."
"Lindsay, who was previously a first-team coach when Gail Redmond was interim NI manager in 2023, will take charge for the World Cup 2027 qualifiers in March away to Switzerland and at home to Turkey. The former Dungannon Swifts manager certainly has a lot to sort out between now and their first qualifier on Tuesday, 3 March, which is in only 34 days' time."
Kris Lindsay has been appointed interim head coach of Northern Ireland's women's team to lead the side in March's World Cup 2027 qualifiers away to Switzerland and at home to Turkey. Lindsay previously served as a first-team coach under Gail Redmond in 2023 and managed Dungannon Swifts. Lindsay must resolve a temporary captaincy following Simone Magill's absence for pregnancy, with several candidates including Nadene Caldwell, Laura Rafferty, Sarah McFadden, Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna and Lauren Wade. The squad is young but includes experienced, consistent performers. Lindsay has 34 days to prepare for the first qualifier on 3 March.
Read at www.bbc.com
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