New Northern Ireland women's national team manager Michael McArdle has announced his inaugural squad ahead of April's World Cup qualifying double-header against Malta, featuring a notable senior call-up for uncapped Linfield striker Cora Chambers.
The 22-year-old forward previously trained with Kenny Shiels' full-time panel prior to Euro 2022 but ultimately missed the tournament and has remained outside the senior setup until now. Her inclusion rewards a blistering run of domestic form, as she has netted 39 times in 47 appearances since transferring from Sion Swifts, including 20 league goals last season.
Chambers' selection marks one of two changes to the roster that suffered back-to-back defeats against Switzerland and Turkey under interim boss Kris Lindsay. The second adjustment sees Hearts midfielder Joely Andrews return to the 23-player panel after recovering from an injury that sidelined her last month.
"Missing Joely in the last window was a challenge," McArdle explained. "I've managed to see her whilst I've been based here in Scotland. She has recovered and returned for Hearts and it's a correlation to Hearts having a strong period of results and form. Joely's been excellent... On and off the pitch added to the group she will have a massive impact for us."
In corresponding roster moves, veteran defender Sarah McFadden has been shifted to the standby list. Meanwhile, Glentoran's Mia Moore—who earned her first start during the recent defeat to Turkey—will transition to the Under-19 squad for their upcoming European qualifiers, provided she shakes off a minor knock.
McArdle officially took the reins in March, succeeding Tanya Oxtoby after a stint as the Scottish FA's head of elite women's football. His managerial debut for Northern Ireland will take place at Mourneview Park on Tuesday, April 14. The team will then travel to Malta for the return fixture on Saturday, April 18, as they hunt for their first victory of the qualifying campaign.
"It's really exciting for me personally now the ball's close to rolling and it's time to feel even more energetic," McArdle remarked regarding his upcoming debut. "It's exciting to be on the touchline again and representing the country."
Northern Ireland Women's Squad Selection
Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Bristol City), Lauren Perry (Montrose), Abbie Smith (Manchester City Women)
Defenders: Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City), Rebecca McKenna (Birmingham City), Abi Sweetlove (Linfield), Natalie Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Ellie Mason (Charlton), Laura Rafferty (Rangers)
Midfielders: Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran), Aimee Kerr (Glentoran), Joely Andrews (Hearts)...