Women's Euro 2022: Callaghan makes final cut as Shiels names 23-strong squad
Marissa Callaghan was named today (Monday) as captain of Northern Ireland's Euros squad - despite still recovering from her toe injury.
The Cliftonville midfielder is among 23 players who will travel to Southampton for the tournament which starts in just over a week's time.
However, there is disappointment for forward Kerry Beattie (unattached) and Cliftonville Ladies defender Toni-Leigh Finnegan.
Both have not made the cut despite being included for last week’s friendly against Belgium.
There is no place either for Southampton midfielder Ciara Watling.
By and large it's a squad full of experience.
Callaghan is among a handful of players in the group who have earned between 70 and 100 caps.
Liverpool Women midfielder Rachel Furness, Rangers Women defender Demi Vance, Durham Women defender Sarah McFadden and striker Simone Magill (unattached) also fall into that category.
And Glentoran Women midfielder Nadene Caldwell and Cliftonville Ladies forward Kirsty McGuinness are in the 50 caps-plus bracket.
However, Shiels has blended the senior side with youth.
Lewes Women defender Rebecca McKenna, Cliftonville Ladies trio Kelsie Burrows, Abbie Magee and Caitlin McGuinness, Glentoran Women midfielder Joely Andrews and Crusaders Strikers forward Emily Wilson are all aged 21 or under, while Cliftonville Ladies midfielder Louise McDaniel is 22.
The only uncapped player in the group is Wolverhampton Wanderers Women keeper Shannon Turner. The 24-year-old has previously represented her country at U19 level.
Meanwhile, Rangers midfielder Megan Bell, Glentoran's Caragh Hamilton and Danielle Maxwell along with Linfield's Vicky Carleton all miss the trip through injury.
Northern Ireland’s first game at this summer’s Euros will be against Norway on 7 July followed by matches versus Austria (11 July) and tournament hosts England (15 July). All three of Northern Ireland’s group games (Group A) at the Euros are being staged at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
Northern Ireland Women squad for UEFA Women’s Euro 2022
Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (BK Hacken), Becky Flaherty (Brighouse Town), Shannon Turner (Wolverhampton Wanderers Women).
Defenders: Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville Ladies), Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville), Ashley Hutton (Linfield Ladies), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville Ladies), Sarah McFadden (Durham Women), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes Women), Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Laura Rafferty (Southampton Women), Demi Vance (Rangers Women).
Midfielders: Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran Women), Joely Andrews (Glentoran Women), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran Women), Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville Ladies), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville Ladies), Rachel Furness (Liverpool Women).
Forwards: Simone Magill (unattached), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonvillle Ladies), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Lauren Wade (Glentoran Women), Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers).