Andy Waterworth, who is currently the interim Northern Ireland senior women’s team boss, has expressed confidence in his team ahead of their international friendly against Wales in Cardiff. Waterworth, who also serves as the Head of Elite Player Development at the Irish Football Association, is filling in as manager following the departure of Kenny Shiels earlier this year.
The interim boss has been impressed with the squad’s work ethic and professionalism during training leading up to the match, and has brought back several key players, including Rachel Furness, who is expected to add to her record tally of international goals. Waterworth is excited and nervous to take charge of a senior international team for the first time and has found it challenging to select his starting eleven due to the strong performances in training. The game will take place at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Andy Waterworth, the interim manager of the Northern Ireland senior women’s football team, has stated that his players are focused ahead of their international friendly against Wales in Cardiff. Waterworth is standing in for the previous manager, Kenny Shiels, who left earlier in the year. Waterworth is excited about leading the senior team for the first time and praised the squad’s professionalism in the run-up to the match. Northern Ireland is missing its regular goalkeeper, Jackie Burns, due to injury, meaning one of the three goalkeepers in the squad will make their debut, likely Shannon Turner.
Wales is ranked 31st in the world compared to Northern Ireland, ranked 45th. Northern Ireland defeated Italy, ranked 16th, in their last outing, while Wales are seeking revenge after missing out on a play-off spot for the Women’s Euros. The game is expected to be closely contested, with Wales captain Sophie Ingle acknowledging Northern Ireland’s strength as a tough opponent.
The Welsh squad includes several players from the FA Women’s Super League, including Manchester United’s Safia Middleton-Patel, Hayley Ladd, and Chloe Williams, Liverpool’s Rhiannon Roberts and Ceri Holland, Tottenham Hotspur’s Angharad James, and Seattle-based OL Reign’s Jess Fishlock. Helen Ward, who announced her international retirement last month, will be honoured during the match.
