EMILY CASSAP SCORES ON NORTHERN IRELAND DEBUT AGAINST SWITZERLAND

Emily Cassap scored 66 seconds after coming on as a substitute on her Northern Ireland senior debut during an international fixture against Switzerland. The Sunderland midfielder pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, having entered the match with Northern Ireland trailing by two goals and five minutes remaining. Switzerland had taken the lead through Geraldine Reuteler before Smilla Vallotto extended the advantage. Northern Ireland were unable to find a second goal and lost the match.

Cassap qualifies for Northern Ireland through parentage and previously represented England at underage level before switching her international allegiance earlier this year. This international window marked her first senior camp with the Northern Ireland squad. She had previously featured for the Northern Ireland Under-19 side. Cassap is the second player Michael McArdle has handed a senior debut to in successive international windows, following Linfield's Cora Chambers, who made her first appearance during the previous camp.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Cassap described the goal as probably the best she has ever scored and said she was surprised when the ball reached her. She acknowledged Switzerland as strong opposition who moved the ball well, but said Northern Ireland matched them throughout. Cassap also noted that members of her family based in Belfast attended the match to watch her debut. McArdle told her it was a great goal.