'It has taken 13 years' - Rafferty reflects on 50th cap

Northern Ireland defender Laura Rafferty said that reaching 50 caps for Northern Ireland was "an absolute honour".

The Rangers defender completed a half-century of international appearances in Northern Ireland's 1-1 draw in the first leg of their opening Euro 2025 qualifying play-off against Croatia.

And Rafferty, who has started 12 consecutive games for NI, wants to cherish the occasion in Varazdin.

"It's incredible, I have been here since I was 15 so it has taken 13 years to get here [to 50 caps] and it has been an enjoyable 13 years," she told BBC Sport NI.

"It's an absolute honour, I've appreciated every opportunity, and it was really special."

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.

"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."