Northern Ireland goalkeeper Lauren Perry said her first international appearance in almost eight years for Northern Ireland is “credit to what I have done”.
The 24-year-old has suffered three anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] injuries, two on her left knee and one on her right, which has meant her last appearance for NI was in April 2018 against Norway.
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It was a challenging return for the stopper against Turkey after Ece Turkoglu took advantage of her mistake to net the only goal of the game in the 24th minute.
However, the 24-year-old added that she was “grateful” to win her fourth cap for the side.
“To be able to go through three ACL injuries and come back and be able to represent my country is credit to what I have done,” Perry told BBC Sport NI.
“I always wanted to get back to this level and I am grateful that Kris [Lindsay] gave me the nod.
“Tonight was almost like making my debut for the second time and to have them, Mac [Sarah McFadden], Deano [Nadene Caldwell] and Wader [Lauren Wade], in there to put an arm around me is great as well.”
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The defeat means that Northern Ireland sit third in Group B2 following their opening two fixtures.
Perry added that she was disappointed that the side couldn’t get a result despite frustrating Turkey for spells of the game.
“Obviously disappointment, the girls put on a shift out there,” Perry said when asked her thoughts after the game.
“We want to go and win every game but, unfortunately, we just couldn’t do that tonight.
“I am just grateful to represent my country and every opportunity that I get, I am going to do my best. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way tonight.”
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Jackie Burns started between the posts during the opening match against top speeds Switzerland before the Montrose stopper played against Turkey.
Interim manager Kris Lindsay praised Perry’s attitude and her resilience to return from her setbacks during her “fully deserved” return to the side.
“Fully deserved [start] for Lauren,” Lindsay said.
“She has shown tremendous mental fortitude to get back from her injuries and play regularly for her club. It is a huge credit to her.
“Her reaction after the goal was brilliant. It is the life of a goalkeeper; sometimes these things happen and she didn’t let it impact her.”
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