"It's a very proud moment, and sometimes being thrown in the deep end makes you express yourself a bit more."

A year ago, by her own admission, Laura Rafferty was uncertain of her place in Northern Ireland's squads, not just the starting team.

But after leading Northern Ireland out at Windsor Park as captain for the first time in February's play-off with Montenegro, her importance under new manager Tanya Oxtoby could not be any more clear.

Marissa Callaghan is still very much Northern Ireland's skipper, but when the 38-year-old midfielder has not been on the pitch Oxtoby has turned to the Southampton defender with the armband in recent matches.

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Image source, Press Eye

Image source, Press Eye

We've two games to bring you this evening for some Friday night football!

First up, Northern Irleand open their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign at home to Malta at Windsor Park.

You can watch it live on the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer, with NI's record goalscorer Rachel Furness joins Thomas Kane on commentary at Windsor Park. Kick-off is at 7pm.

Then, at a slightly strange kick-off time of 8.10pm, France host the Republic of Ireland and we'll have updates from the game in Metz.