New Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby names squad for Dublin showdown
New Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby
Tanya Oxtoby has named her first squad as manager of the Northern Ireland senior women’s team.
Oxtoby’s reign will start on Saturday 23 September when Northern Ireland travel south to play the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium (1pm) in the Nations League. On Tuesday 26 September, Albania (7pm) visit Seaview for the second game of the new tournament.
Oxtoby has resisted the temptation to make major changes to the squad with just three changes from the panel that played Scotland and Czechia in July. Cliftonville trio Kelsie Burrows, Fi Morgan and Danielle Maxwell miss out while Southampton defender Laura Rafferty, Birmingham City defender Ellie Mason and Cliftonville’s Kirsty McGuinness return.
Australian native Oxtoby said: “I am really excited with the squad we have selected. It’s a great mix of exciting, young players and experienced internationals,” Australian-born Oxtoby said.
“I am looking forward to meeting up with the group. I have spent the last fortnight – since officially coming into the role – getting to know the players.
“I know they are excited, too, to get out on the grass and start working together to begin our journey towards success.”
Goalkeepers: Rachael Norney (Cliftonville Ladies), Shannon Turner (Wolverhampton Wanderers Women), Lilie Woods (Mid Ulster Ladies).
Defenders: Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville, USA), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville Ladies), Ellie Mason (Birmingham City Women), Sarah McFadden (Durham Women), Rebecca McKenna (Charlton Athletic Women), Laura Rafferty (Southampton Women), Demi Vance (Glentoran Women).
Midfielders: Joely Andrews (Glentoran Women), Megan Bell (Rangers Women), Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran Women), Marissa Callaghan
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