Northern Ireland had managed just one goal in their previous six matches heading into Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Malta — a side that offered little hint of what was to come.

But in Michael McArdle's first match as head coach, the mood shifted decisively. Northern Ireland played with freedom and confidence, putting four goals past Malta for their biggest haul since 2023.

Central to that performance was Keri Halliday, handed a rare start by McArdle and making the most of it emphatically — scoring her first two senior international goals and adding an assist in the 4-0 win.

The 21-year-old winger had already made a name for herself at Linfield, scoring 53 goals in 85 appearances before moving to Scotland. She is currently on loan from Hearts to Motherwell, and Tuesday's display underlined why the step up to senior international level feels like a natural fit.

"It means a lot with my family there. Dad did say it was coming and he was right," Halliday told BBC Sport NI.

"Michael [McArdle] is a lovely man. He's had all faith and confidence in us to go out and get points from these games.

"He's given us freedom, and I think you can see that we're playing with smiles on our faces — with energy, stress-free — and you can see that in the scoreline. I'm loving playing at the minute."

Building an attack-minded side has been a clear early priority for McArdle since his appointment in March, alongside a deliberate push towards younger talent. Five of the starting XI against Malta were under 25, and Linfield's Cora Chambers also came off the bench to earn her senior debut.

The absence of captain Simone Magill — who announced her pregnancy in November — has left a void in experience, leadership, and goals. In her place, McArdle handed the armband to Rebecca McKenna, who led by example from defence while also contributing to Northern Ireland's attacks.

McArdle's track record in player development is well established. During his time with the Scottish FA, he built both an Under-23 programme and a new Academy structure from the ground up — experience that appears to be shaping his approach with this Northern Ireland squad.

Halliday said the players must repay McArdle's trust as Northern Ireland push for a World Cup play-off spot.

"It's great that he's trusting us to play and come on," she said.

"He's trusting us for a reason, and we need to back ourselves on the pitch and do what we do week in, week out with our clubs.

"We hadn't scored yet in the campaign, so to come out and score four is something we really wanted to do — and hopefully we can keep that up for the away game."

Danielle Maxwell also got on the scoresheet with a composed lob over goalkeeper Giulia D'Antuono, rounding off a thoroughly dominant display. The Burnley midfielder was equally effusive about her team-mate, insisting Halliday's international goals are just the beginning.

Halliday's contribution helped end a four-game goal drought — a run the side will be keen not to allow to become a recurring theme if they are to make genuine progress in qualifying. On Tuesday, at least, there were no such concerns.

Despite her relative inexperience at senior level, the 21-year-old looked assured and composed throughout, impressing both her teammates and her new manager.

"Outstanding," was Maxwell's verdict after the final whistle.

"She always is. She's young but she's really good quality on the ball, and that's exactly what she brings when she plays.

"It's only going to push her forward now — and there's plenty more to come from her."

McArdle was equally complimentary, saying Halliday "lit the place up tonight, which was exciting to see".

Now, the focus shifts to the away fixture against Malta — a second must-win qualifier in which McArdle will be hoping Halliday and her teammates can deliver another performance to keep Northern Ireland's World Cup ambitions firmly on track.