Croatia 1-1 Northern Ireland: ‘It has taken 13 years’ – Laura Rafferty reflects on 50th cap

Rafferty also conceded that it was difficult for her to imagine reaching such a milestone before Tanya Oxtoby was appointed, given that she had been in and out of Northern Ireland squads in the past.

“Football can work in weird and wonderful ways, I’m being given opportunities and I’m taking them, I give everything for my country,” she added.

The 28-year-old praised newly appointed Northern Ireland captain Simone Magill for passing on the captain’s armband as the Birmingham City striker wanted to mark Rafferty’s 50th cap by letting her lead the team out.

“It was probably tricky for her as she has just been announced as captain, but she had a word with me and told me she wanted me to wear it and I’m very grateful.

“She made my day by saying that and the group made it really special, it was a night I won’t forget.”

Rafferty admitted that Northern Ireland had to “dig deep” to grind out a draw courtesy of a late own goal.

“I felt in stages there were parts of us, the goal was scrappy, but it was a goal and I’m delighted for Casey Howe to come off the bench and make that happen.”

“We get to go home now, and we want to put in a performance and reach the next round.”

She believes that the pitch was a contributing factor to the scrappy nature of the game.

“First half it wasn’t so bad but second half it was completely churned up, we managed it as much as we could it wasn’t the prettiest, but we got the result.”