Northern Ireland squad for UEFA Women’s Nations League double header | OneFootball

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Teenage Linfield striker Keri Halliday and Crusaders Strikers goalkeeper Maddy Harvey-Clifford are the two new faces in Tanya Oxtoby’s Northern Ireland squad.

It’s a first senior call-up for 18-year-old Halliday, who has previously impressed for her country at U19 and U17 level. Harvey-Clifford has been in and around the senior squad for a few years, however it’s the first time the 21-year-old keeper has been called up by Oxtoby and she has yet to earn her first cap at senior level.

Oxtoby has chosen a 23-strong squad for the League B Group 1 match away to Albania on Friday 1 December (5pm UK time) and the encounter with the Republic of Ireland at Windsor Park on Tuesday 5 December (6pm).

The talismanic Rachel Furness is out of both games after injuring her hamstring while playing for Bristol City in the Barclay’s Women’s Super League earlier this month. Bristol boss Lauren Smith said Furness, who has scored a record 38 goals in 95 appearances for her country, will likely be out of action for a month.

Also not included in the Northern Ireland squad this time are Cliftonville forward Caitlin McGuinness and Mid Ulster goalkeeper Lilie Woods.

Cliftonville’s Danielle Maxwell, a late call-up in October to replace club mate and fellow striker Kirsty McGuinness, has retained her place in the panel after scoring her first senior international goal last time out. Kirsty McGuinness, who withdrew last month for personal reasons, has not returned to the squad.

Hungary are second in the League B Group 1 table with five points from four games, while Northern Ireland are third with four points from four. Albania are propping up the table with one point. The Republic have already won the group thanks to a 100% record to date.

The squad for the two games in December is as follows:

Goalkeepers – Shannon Turner (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rachael Norney (Liverpool Feds), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers).

Defenders – Abbie Magee and Kelsie Burrows (both Cliftonville), Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville, USA), Ellie Mason (Birmingham City), Sarah McFadden (Durham), Rebecca McKenna (Charlton Athletic), Laura Rafferty (Southampton), Demi Vance (Glentoran).

Midfielders – Joely Andrews, Nadene Caldwell and Chloe McCarron (all Glentoran), Megan Bell (Rangers), Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville), Caragh Hamilton (Lewes).

Forwards – Kerry Beattie and Emily Wilson (both Glentoran), Simone Magill (Aston Villa), Lauren Wade (Reading) , Danielle Maxwell (Cliftonville), Keri Halliday (Linfield).

Republic of Ireland Women’s squad for last two Nations League games