NI have 'something to build on' under Lindsay

Northern Ireland captain Jackie Burns says interim manager Kris Lindsay has given the players "something to build on" despite a 2-0 defeat in Switzerland in World Cup qualifying.

Riola Xhemaili opened the scoring in the 22nd minute from a corner and Northern Ireland, despite creating limited opportunities, frustrated the hosts.

However, their resolve was broken in injury time as Svenja Folmli scored from 20 yards to make sure the Swiss, who reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2025, started with an opening three points.

Lindsay will be in charge for at least the opening set of qualifiers after being named as interim manager to replace Tanya Oxtoby, who left her role in November.

Northern Ireland will look to bounce back at home to Turkey, who beat Malta 3-0 in their opener, on Saturday.

"It's something to build on and Kris has given us free rein. It's the belief and the bravery to go out and just play," Burns said.

"We're still in the building process and hopefully, come Saturday, it will be a better performance."

Burns was handed the armband in the absence of regular skipper Simone Magill, who announced her pregnancy in November.

The goalkeeper, who joined Bristol City in January, said it was "tough" to lose the game but "it was full of positives".

"We're disappointed that we've conceded two goals, but we put in a really solid performance from start to finish," Burns added.

"It was a performance that had been a long time coming and we defended for our lives, which really showed."