Image source, Pacemaker PressImage caption, Both Halliday and Andrews netted during the victory over Malta
ByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalist- Published15 minutes ago
In recent games, Northern Ireland have not been known for scoring a flurry of goals with just one in their past six matches prior to Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Malta.
However, during Michael McArdle's first game in charge, they looked confident and netted four times in a match for the first time since 2023.
McArdle handed Keri Halliday a rare start with the winger netting her first two international goals and registering an assist during the 4-0 win.
The 21-year-old impressed during her time at Linfield with 53 goals in 85 appearances before making the move to Scotland, and is currently on loan from Hearts to Motherwell.
"It means a lot with my family there. Dad did say it was coming and he was right," Halliday told BBC Sport NI.
"Michael [McArdle] is a lovely man, he's had all faith and confidence in us to go out and get points from these games.
"He's given us freedom and I think you can see that we're playing with smiles on our faces and playing with energy, stress-free and you can see that in the scoreline. I'm loving playing at the minute."
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Developing a more attack-minded side as clearly been the early priority for McArdle after being appointed in March, with a focus on younger players clearly evident too.
Five of the starting XI were under 25 with Linfield's Cora Chambers also coming off the bench to make her senior debut.
With captain Simone Magill away from the side after announcing her pregnancy in November, Northern Ireland have missed her experience, leadership and goals but after being handed the armband by McArdle, Rebecca McKenna, lead by example from defence and also helped push the side into the final third.
During his time within the Scottish FA, McArdle created a new Under-23s programme and a new Academy programme, showing he is no stranger to helping younger players develop.
Halliday added that the side need to use his trust to demonstrate their abilities as Northern Ireland aim to secure a World Cup play-off.
"It's great that he's trusting us to play and come on," Halliday continued.
"He's trusting us for a reason and we need to back ourselves on the pitch and do what we do week in week out with our clubs.
"We hadn't scored yet on the campaign so to come out and score four is something we wanted to do and hopefully keep that up for the away game."
'Plenty more to come from Halliday'
Danielle Maxwell also netted during the convincing victory when she lobbed over stopper Giulia D'Antuono.
The Burnley midfielder believes that this is only the start of Halliday's goalscoring career.
The former Linfield stars goals helped to end a four-game goal drought, something that they side must aim to avoid becoming a common pattern if they are to develop. positively
Despite her limited experience in the senior side, the 21-year-old looked assured and impressed both her fellow teammates and new manager.
"Outstanding," is how Maxwell described Halliday after the game.
"She always is. She's young but she's really good quality on the ball and that's what she can bring when she plays.
"It's only going to push her forward now and there's plenty more to come from her."
McArdle was also impressed by Halliday's performance and added "she lit the place up tonight which was exciting to see".
Now, the Scot will be hoping for a similar showing away to Malta in their second must-win match of the qualifying campaign to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
