'Everybody wrote us off' - Lauren Perry after historic Northern Ireland qualification
Northern Ireland want to “inspire the next generation” after they reached the European Championships for the first time, says Forfar Farmington goalkeeper Lauren Perry.
And Perry says her side confounded everyone to defeat Ukraine in the play-offs and make next summer’s finals in England.
Kenny Shiels’ side prevailed in the Euros play-offs on Wednesday, and six-times capped Perry hopes reaching their first tournament will encourage more girls to get involved in football.
“We want to inspire more girls to go pick up a pair of football boots or a football shirt and just go out and play,” said Perry. “That was the main thing for us.
“Nobody would have thought little Northern Ireland would make it to the Euros. Everybody would have written us off.
“Nobody really looks at Northern Ireland and says they are going to qualify. Hopefully, people can start to recognise that Northern Ireland are progressing and Northern Ireland are starting to do things.”
The Green and White Army defied all odds qualifying for their first major tournament. Marissa Callaghan and Nadene Caldwell both netted to secure a 2-0 victory in the second leg play-off, resulting in an aggregate score of 4-1.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper Perry’s last international call up was in September, missing out on the chance of being part of the most recent squad.
However, Perry has confidence that if she keeps working hard for Forfar Farmington in the SWPL, she has a good chance of being picked for the finals.
She said: “For me, I need to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm enjoying my football at the minute as I'm playing week in, week out.
“If I can continue to do that and continue performing, I'll catch the eye of the manager again and hopefully I'll be on that plane.”
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