If Rafferty features on Tuesday it will be her 49th cap for Northern Ireland.

She was included in Northern Ireland’s Euro 2022 squad but was then not selected until Oxtoby took over in September 2023.

Since then, she has started the last 10 games for Northern Ireland and has worn the captain’s armband three times this qualifying campaign since Marissa Callaghan announced she was stepping down as skipper.

The 28-year-old admits it was hard to imagine her hitting a half century of caps and captaining her country, even a year ago.

“It’s incredible, I’ve been here since I was 15, I remember my first call-up in Cyprus and to think that was 13 years ago is crazy, so getting 50 caps would be such an honour,” she said.

“I’ve gone from a position where I’ve not played a lot of games to now be playing and I’m very glad I’ve grabbed my opportunity.”

Rafferty was also full of praise for Callaghan, who has helped her adjust to her new leadership role.

“Having the captain’s armband is such an honour and I’m learning too, we have someone amazing in Marissa who is a helping hand constantly.”