International women's soccer friendly: Northern Ireland v Italy (Seaview, Belfast, 7pm tonight)
MANAGER Kenny Shiels is understandably cautious about exposing young players against Italy – but captain Marissa Callaghan is confident that any fresh faces will be up to the challenge.
Tonight's game at Seaview will conclude an historic 2022 for Northern Irish women's football, but Callaghan is adamant that there's more to come next year and into the future:
"It's definitely the beginning of something. We've done the 'impossible' and qualified for our first major tournament so now we need to build on that, look forward, and see how we can go - and keep qualifying.
"We know now there's going to be a Nations League in September and we have three or four international windows where we need to get as many friendlies as we can to make sure that every player gets the game-time needed to go and stamp their authority come September.
"We do have a lot of young players coming through that are ready to go and step on the pitch. So, it's gonna be a big year."
Callaghan led Cliftonville to their first women's league title and has eight club colleagues in the NI squad – including teenage defender Fi Morgan.
The skipper has faith that the 19-year-old will impress if called upon: "Fi played for St Mary's Boys and came to Cliftonville at a very young age. I actually coached her at under 15 and under 17 level. The kid was always special from that age.
"To be in the squad is brilliant for her. She's a fantastic player and she's going to be a top, top centre half. Hopefully that'll be her continuing to be part of squads. Whenever she gets her time on the pitch I know she'll shine.
"Kenny is really good at how he brings the youth through and he always gets it right in terms of when they're ready. For her, it's going to be a big year and I'm excited to see how she goes."
Italy are seeking to bounce back from a disappointing Euros campaign, in which they finished bottom of Group D, losing to France and Belgium either side of a 1-1 draw with Iceland.
They did finish their World Cup qualifying group strongly, with wins over Moldova and Romania to end up top with 27 points, having won nine matches and conceded just two goals.
Kirsty McGuinness and Lauren Wade provide the experience in attack, although Shiels will have to go for someone younger in the central role, with Danielle Maxwell returning to challenge Kerry Beattie and Emily Wilson.
Perhaps understandably, Shiels was thinking more about his defensive options. The veterans Julie Nelson and Sarah McFadden remain, but Cliftonville pair Kelsie Burrows and Morgan could be in contention in central defence too.
"Still here are a few of the more senior players who will still be with us until such times as they decide or I decide that it's time to bring in some younger players. We've got Mac [Sarah McFadden] and Julie [Nelson] and fighting for that shirt are Fi Morgan and Kelsie [Burrows], a 19-year-old and a 21-year-old.
"That's a part of the pitch where you need to have experience. So do we throw them in against Italy? There are so many permutations going through my head. Do we stick with what we have? And maybe taper them in against a lesser opponent?"
Shiels is also thinking about his midfield options, and his formation, saying: "What's the best way to do it? Joely Andrews is firing on all cylinders. Do we start Joely? Her day will come. She has started a game, she's improving.
"Caitlin McGuinness is emerging, Danielle Maxwell, Louise [McDaniel] are emerging, so we've got quite a few coming through there.
"But most of them are not maybe ready for playing against that. That's the downside of getting a big opponent.
"Italy play with a nine and a 10 high up the pitch. We have three a lot and we might not be playing three tonight. It has to coincide with where we're strong and where we're not as strong. Every team that we pick has to be balanced in a way in which we have the best or the greatest impact."
Shiels will never play for a draw, but that would be a good outcome against a team ranked 14th in the world compared to NI's 49th (and eighth and 28th respectively within Uefa).
A share of the spoils at Seaview would do the (Italian) job.
