Switzerland game important for self-belief - McArdle

Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle said Tuesday's final World Cup qualifier against Switzerland is "a real opportunity to test ourselves".

McArdle's side are aiming to build momentum and continue to develop ahead of their upcoming World Cup play-off in the autumn.

NI will finish third in Group B2, but the Scot is keen that they push themselves when they welcome the group winners to Mourneview Park.

"We are looking forward to playing against Switzerland and also being back home at Mourneview in front of the home fans," McArdle told BBC Sport NI.

"Switzerland are one of the top nations at this point in time, they'll be strong favourites to qualify through the play-offs, so it gives us a real opportunity to test ourselves against a nation that's competing at the highest level."

Northern Ireland have won two of their last three matches but have struggled against nations ranked above them and have been unable to get a result against any.

"It would be great to win, we're always looking out to win and we always go out to have a game plan to win every game," McArdle said.

"Also, if you get that one-off result, that would give a lot of self-belief. On Friday night in Istanbul, we had moments where it could be 2-2 and we've still got lots of positives.

"So, getting a result tomorrow night would be great. As always, beating a top nation, but it's all towards the longer-term process of preparing to qualify more consistently."

In their opening match of this window, Northern Ireland suffered a controversial 2-1 defeat by Turkey.

The home side conceded a penalty after striker Busem Seker handled the ball off the line before later scoring the winner.

Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan said the lack of red card was "absolute madness", but McArdle said the decision has not been explained since.

"We've not heard anything," McArdle said.

"I appreciate externally it creates a lot of noise and debate and opinion. Internally, we can only focus on what we can control on the pitch, at the side of the pitch as well.

"Storylines, obviously, football throws them up at times. Unfortunately, we were on the other side of it, but again, we can't control that side."

The result ended Northern Ireland's hopes of finishing second in the group, but McArdle said their eyes are on longer term projects.

"We've got a long-term process, so we've been focusing on it but before we went out to Turkey, the intention was to win the game, try and get three points.

"However also, more importantly, other projects that we're working on just now with younger players getting some experience on the pitch.

"Also testing ourselves, being brave and testing a style of play and an approach to try and get more attacking output."

Despite his short tenure, McArdle has made a big impact and, as he prepares for just his second home game, the Scot has fond memories of his opening match as manager.

In April, NI ended their winless run and four-game goal drought to beat Malta 4-0 in Lurgan.

"It was a nice feeling after the last game," he said.

"Good, entertaining football, but also good noise and good connection with the crowd as well. As always, it's a privilege to represent. We just want to represent the best way we can.

"Hopefully, tomorrow night we can put on a style of play and a performance that the crowd are delighted with.

Northern Ireland captain Rebecca McKenna said in the build-up to their final qualifier that the squad is exciting for the future.

The 46-year-old has been encouraged with what he has seen coming through the underage teams and within the younger players within the squad.

Sixteen of the 23 current squad are under the age of 25 with the Scot handing Linfield youngster Cora Chambers her first cap during the last window and including uncapped teenager Emily Cassap this time around.

"It's very exciting. I think we've seen that at the Euros a couple of weeks ago with some of the girls in u17s and we have had two of three with us in the last couple of days," he continued.

"We also need to be careful how quickly we bring them in. So, that's why the process with some is with Cora, Emily and Fi as well, coming back to make her competitive debut. There's a lot of investment in those players.

"There is also some behind the scenes that maybe takes a bit more time with we can measure our approach that way, but definitely exciting moving forward."