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16-year-old Abbie receives Northern Ireland call

Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager Tanya Oxtoby has revealed her squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League

matches against Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Experienced Rangers Women defender Laura Rafferty returns to the panel after missing last month’s UWNL double header against Romania through injury and veteran Newcastle attacking midfielder Rachel Furness is also included in the 24-strong squad after receiving a late call-up for the League B Group 1 home match against the Romanians in April.

Northern Ireland are set to play unbeaten Group B1 leaders Poland (10 points from four games) on Friday 30 May at Seaview in Belfast (7pm). It’s a top of the table clash as Oxtoby’s side currently lie second in the group with seven points from their four matches to date.

Northern Ireland are due to face third placed Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final B1 game in Zenica on Tuesday 3 June (6pm BST start). The Bosnians have amassed four points so far.

Uncapped Glentoran Women midfielder Aimee Kerr, who turns 19 at the end of May, has retained her place in Oxtoby’s squad after receiving a first senior call-up in April and uncapped 19-year-old Linfield Women defender Abi Sweetlove has kept her place in the panel, too.

Included in the senior squad for the first time is 16-year-old goalkeeper Abbie Smith, who signed for Manchester City Women from Crusaders Strikers in March. Smith was brought in to train with the squad last month but is now officially part of the panel.

Glentoran midfielder Chloe McCarron and Nottingham Forest Women striker Casey Howe both remain unavailable as they continue their recovery from injuries.

(irishfa.com)