Elmore’s first senior cap arrived amid a 4-0 drubbing, yet her spark hinted at brighter days for Northern Ireland.
Portugal’s first‑half onslaught in Larne left them ahead, but Elmore’s halftime cameo lifted the Irish side’s spirit.
The 27‑year‑old was an unexpected pick for the play‑off double‑header against the 22nd‑ranked Portuguese.
She attended an NI camp in 2021 but hadn’t been called up since, assuming her green‑shirt days were over.
“I never saw Michael’s call coming. It lingered in the back of my mind, but I thought it had passed,” she confessed.
Having navigated countless systems, she believes her experience can bolster the youthful squad with an attacking edge.
Those past lessons now give her confidence heading into these crucial matches.
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“I just wanted to come on and bring energy”
Elmore’s debut unfolded on a tough night as Portugal proved clinical throughout.
Still, her showing offered a promising glimpse, marking her among three newcomers as McArdle expands squad depth.
“I wasn’t sure I’d debut, then a half‑time heads‑up told me I was in – that was a thrill,” she said.
“I wanted to inject energy, to tilt the momentum after Portugal’s first‑half surge, and the second half felt better.”
“I’m glad I could help. We expected a defensive battle, yet we respect Portugal’s quality.”
Can Elmore give NI a new attacking edge?
Although usually a winger or midfielder at Sparta Prague, she operated as a lone striker at Inver Park.
Her presence added a fresh attacking layer, bringing movement and vigor to the final third.
Having already featured on Europe’s biggest club stages, she embraces this new challenge eagerly.
“It’s the first time I’ve played centre‑forward since university days.”
“Any attacking role suits me; I’ll go wherever the team needs me.”
McArdle trusts the England youth international to enrich the squad, now heading to Portimão for the second leg without Cora Chambers, who was sent off for a hair pull on Carolina Correia.
“Kess’s debut injects fresh energy,” the manager noted.
“Seeing her on the pitch confirms my belief – she adds something vital up front.”