Nations League: Three changes for NI Women ahead of Montenegro play-off
Defender Rachel Dugdale and goalkeeper Lauren Perry are back in the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League play-off matches against Montenegro.
The pair, who have not been involved in the senior international set-up in recent years, are among three changes to the panel chosen for the final two Nations League group stage matches back in December.
This month’s play-off games will see Northern Ireland take on Montenegro at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica on Friday February 23rd (1pm UK time) followed by the return leg at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park on Tuesday February 27 (7pm).
The overall winner will be in League B in the European Qualifiers phase of the Women’s Nations League this year, while the losing team will be in League C.
Senior women’s team manager Tanya Oxtoby has chosen a 23-strong panel for the two play-off matches.
Defender Dugdale (nee Newborough) has not featured in a Northern Ireland squad since September 2020 when she was an unused substitute in a Euro 2022 qualifier against the Faroe Islands.
The 27-year-old, who has earned 24 senior caps to date, currently plays for Reading in the Women’s Championship in England.
Goalkeeper Perry made her senior international debut at the age of 16 and went on to earn five caps between 2017 and 2018, however she did not make any appearances under previous Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager Kenny Shiels despite being involved in training camps.
The 22-year-old moved to Montrose Women from Scottish Women’s Premier League rivals Dundee United Women last summer.
The former Linfield Ladies, Blackburn Rovers Women and Forfar Farmington player has had to overcome a couple of knee injuries and a loss of form in recent years, but she is now enjoying life in Scotland.
Also returning to the fold is Cliftonville Ladies defender Kelsie Burrows, who missed the UWNL games against Albania and Republic of Ireland in December due to work commitments.
Retaining her place in the panel is Linfield Women striker Keri Halliday, who received her first senior call-up back in December.
Dropping out of the squad this time are Liverpool Feds goalkeeper Rachael Norney, Cliftonville Ladies defender Abbie Magee and Crusaders Strikers defender Rachel McLaren.
Northern Ireland Squad to play Montenegro:
Goalkeepers: Shannon Turner (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers), Lauren Perry (Montrose)
Defenders: Rebecca Holloway and Ellie Mason (both Birmingham), Sarah McFadden (Durham), Rebecca McKenna (Charlton Athletic), Laura Rafferty (Southampton), Demi Vance (Glentoran), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville), Rachel Dugdale (Reading)
Midfielders: Joely Andrews, Nadene Caldwell and Chloe McCarron (all Glentoran), Megan Bell (Hearts, on loan from Rangers), Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville), Caragh Hamilton (Lewes)
Forwards: Kerry Beattie and Emily Wilson (both Glentoran), Simone Magill (Aston Villa), Lauren Wade (Reading), Danielle Maxwell (Blackburn Rovers), Keri Halliday (Linfield)