Following yesterday’s shock announcement that report goalscorer Rachel Furness was now not obtainable for choice, Northern Eire supervisor Kenny Shiels has named Lewes midfielder Ellie Mason in his squad for subsequent month’s FIFA Girls’s World Cup 2023 qualifiers.
While Mason has not performed for Northern Eire, she’s already a world footballer. The 26-year-old, who was born in England, performed for Gibraltar in two friendlies earlier this 12 months. She has now switched her allegiance to Northern Eire, who she is eligible to play for via her maternal grandfather who was born in Ballymena.
Cliftonville Girls defender Toni-Leigh Finnegan and Glentoran Girls striker Kerry Beattie – who weren't chosen Euro 2021 – return to the squad for the away video games in opposition to Luxembourg and Latvia.
Mason had spells with Watford (twice), Chelsea, Millwall Lionesses, Yeovil City and London Metropolis Lionesses earlier than signing for Lewes final summer season.
There’s additionally a call-up for uncapped Mid Ulster Girls goalkeeper Lilie Woods. Woods was a member of the Euros coaching squad however was not chosen for the ultimate panel that travelled to England.
Furness isn’t the one member of the Euro 2021 squad lacking from the panel. Linfield Girls defender Ashley Hutton has retired from worldwide responsibility, Aston Villa striker Simone Magill is recovering from an ACL harm whereas goalkeeper Becky Flaherty just isn't chosen.
The senior girls’s group will play Luxembourg on Friday 2 September at Stade Émile Mayrisch in Esch-sur-Alzette, earlier than taking up Latvia on the Daugava Nationwide Stadium in Riga on Friday 6 September.
Subsequent month’s video games will carry Northern Eire’s FIFA World Cup 2023 qualification marketing campaign in European Group D to a detailed. Kenny Shiels’ group can not qualify for the finals in Australia and New Zealand, with England heading in the right direction to high the group and Austria set to bag the play-off spot.
Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Studying Girls), Shannon Turner (Wolverhampton Wanderers Girls), Lilie Woods (Mid Ulster Girls).
Defenders: Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville Girls), Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville Girls), Sarah McFadden (Durham Girls), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes Girls), Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Laura Rafferty (Southampton Girls), Demi Vance (unattached), Toni-Leigh Finnegan (Cliftonville Girls).
Midfielders: Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran Girls), Joely Andrews (Glentoran Girls), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran Girls), Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville Girls), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville Girls), Ellie Mason (Lewes Girls).
Forwards: Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonville Girls), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville Girls), Lauren Wade (Studying Girls), Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers), Kerry Beattie (Glentoran Girls)