What will new call-ups bring to Northern Ireland?

What the report says

Northern Ireland will take a changed squad into their 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off against Portugal, with manager Michael McArdle calling up five players for the first time. BBC Sport reported that the additions come against a backdrop of injuries to several established attackers, leaving opportunities for new faces to step in as Northern Ireland prepare to be underdogs in the tie.

Among the newcomers are Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore and Galway United defender Lucy-Jayne Grant, both of whom qualify through family links. Elmore, 27, is described by McArdle as a versatile attacking player who can operate across the forward line and has experience in elite European competition. Grant, 22, adds depth at left back after impressing in the League of Ireland and spending time around the senior set-up as a training player.

McArdle has also handed first senior call-ups to three players from the domestic Women’s Premiership: Glentoran attacker Naomi McLaughlin, Linfield defender Jane McMaster and Cliftonville midfielder Charlotte Havern. According to BBC Sport, McLaughlin’s strong form after returning to Northern Ireland, McMaster’s consistent performances and pathway through international age groups, and Havern’s standout club season all helped earn selection.

The squad reflects the continuing role of the local game in Northern Ireland’s player pool, even as more internationals play in Britain or elsewhere. The play-off is an important stage in their World Cup qualification route, and the new call-ups give McArdle extra options at a time when the squad has been stretched by injuries.