'Plenty to learn' - McArdle after Turkey defeat

Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle said "there were far too many turnovers" during his side's 2-1 defeat against Turkey in Istanbul.

Melike Pekel gave the home side the lead on 26 minutes before Northern Ireland were awarded a penalty and Busem Seker was booked when she handled Fi Morgan's effort on the line.

Megan Bell converted the spot kick with Seker scoring the winner for Turkey in the second half, to the frustration of NI who believed she should have been sent off for the penalty incident.

"I think the first half is one that we need to reflect on, at half-time, the scoreline is 1-1 which I personally think is lucky for us," McArdle said.

"Unfortunately for us, another individual error, particularly in turnovers, so it's still that area that we need to refine and get much better at, is taking care of the ball.

"Particularly at times when there's not a lot of pressure and rushing some of our actions. There were far too many turnovers again."

Despite the result meaning that the side will finish third in Group B2, McArdle added that there are positives to take into the final game.

Northern Ireland now host group leaders Switzerland as they aim to continue to develop ahead of their World Cup play-off later in the year.

"The positive side of it, Fi's first competitive debut and it's been a good, solid, strong performance from us, which I'm delighted about," he continued.

"Lots of players are getting involved, lots of young players. We came here to play an attacking style of football.

"Plenty to learn, but disappointed with the result."