THE loss to Norway was tough enough to take; losing striker Simone Magill has also hit the Northern Ireland women hard.
Stand-in skipper Sarah McFadden admitted that the post-match atmosphere was "like a wake" after the new Aston Villa signing suffered what appears to be a serious injury late on in the 4-1 defeat.
Magill's fellow forward Lauren Wade admitted that there was little any of the squad could say to console the 27-year-old: "I think at this point, no matter what you say, trying to pick her up from the way she's feeling is tough but we are one big family and we are here to support her.
"She did say she was glad she got to play in some part of it and we are with her every part of the way."
NI return to action on Monday evening against Austria, who only lost 1-0 to hosts England in the tournament opener, and Wade acknowledged they will have to lift themselves in difficult circumstances:
"Simone is a big player for us. It's obviously not good for her the situation we find ourselves in but we are one big family and as a squad we will all be working together for the next game."
Wade insists there's strong belief that they can achieve a positive result against Austria, having scored herself in the 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw at Seaview, which was almost a famous victory – even without Magill that night too:
"The full squad and management have the belief that we can go out and perform on Monday night. The performance is what counts and the result takes care of itself but we are here to get the three points on Monday…
"We grew in confidence as the game went on and we knew where our outlets were. We were so disappointed with the result but the second half performance is something we have to build on and take those positives into the Austria game."
NI also finished strongly in the 3-1 defeat away to Austria in April, and Wade is confident that the team can add to Julie Nelson's historic goal:
"We've shown against Austria we can take our chances. Last night it didn't come off but we came out in the second half and got that goal we needed.
"We got the goal from Julie. She's given up so much for football in Northern Ireland and it's something she should be so proud of. I know her family are and we are, as well."
