New Northern Ireland Women Manager Has Named His First Squad

New Northern Ireland Women team manager Michael McArdle has named his first squad for a World Cup qualifying double header against Malta.

Hearts midfielder Joely Andrews is back in the squad after missing last month’s World Cup qualifiers through injury.

One newcomer is Linfield striker Cora Chambers, who previously played at U19 level as well as for the U16 development side. The 22-year-old has scored 39 goals in 47 appearances for Linfield.

Defender Sarah McFadden drops to the standby list, and teenager Mia Moore will instead be part of the Under-19 squad competing in Euro qualifiers this month.

The first match against Malta is at Mourneview Park in Lurgan on Tuesday 14 April (7pm). Tickets are available at irishfa.com/tickets.

And the teams will meet again on Saturday 18 April at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’Qali (6pm BST start).

Northern Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers – Jackie Burns (Bristol City), Lauren Perry (Montrose), Abbie Smith (Manchester City).

Defenders – Rebecca Holloway and Rebecca McKenna (both Birmingham City), Abi Sweetlove (Linfield), Natalie Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Ellie Mason (Charlton Athletic), Laura Rafferty (Rangers).

Midfielders – Louise McDaniel and Brenna McPartlan (both Burnley), Nadene Caldwell and Aimee Kerr (both Glentoran), Megan Bell (Linfield), Leyla McFarland (Durham), Joely Andrews (Hearts).

Forwards – Lauren Wade (Hearts), Keri Halliday (Motherwell, on loan from Hearts), Caragh Hamilton (Sunderland, on loan from Nottingham Forest), Kascie Weir (Glentoran), Danielle Maxwell (Burnley), Casey Howe (Wolverhampton Wanderers, on loan from Nottingham Forest), Cora Chambers (Linfield).