When Northern Ireland run out to take on Portugal in their 2027 Women's World Cup play-off, they know they will be the underdogs. That would be the case even if Michael McArdle had a full-strength squad to pick from, but he has had to deal with a lengthy injury list before the first play-off round. However, disappointment for some leads to opportunities for others, and his 23-strong squad as produced five new names.
Sparta Pargue forward Kess Elmore was a surprise inclusion but her versatility could be key, while Galway United defender Lucy-Jayne Grant is another new face. McArdle has also rewarded three Women's Premiership players - Naomi McLaughlin, Jane McMaster and Charlotte Havern - with their first call-ups. But what can they all bring to the international stage?
Elmore and Grant named in Northern Ireland squad With the absence of key attackers Simone Magill, who is back in training after having her first child, and Danielle Maxwell and Caragh Hamilton, who are injured, the introduction of Elmore to the squad is intriguing. The 27-year-old Sparta Prague attacker qualifies for Northern Ireland through her father, who is from Lisburn. Elmore came through Liverpool's academy and made the move to the USA in 2017 to play college football for the UConn Huskies and Oregon Ducks.
Her professional career started with Saint Etienne in France in 2023 and moved to Brooklyn FC for the inaugural USL Super League the following year. Elmore has Champions League experience with Austrian champions St Polten against the likes of Chelsea and Lyon, and she moved to the Czech Republic in July. Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Elmore can play right across the forward line and McArdle says "that versatility brings a strength to us".
"The biggest thing for Kess is the attacking prowess she's got as a creative player and an attacking player," said the Scot. "She's coming in with good experience of playing against high quality opposition, and Portugal's squad is full of players that are at elite European clubs. "Not speaking on behalf of Kess, but when you get that first call up at the age of 27 it is quite a special moment.
"It's been quite a special few weeks working with Kess in the background, so I'm looking forward to her joining camp and bringing those qualities to the group." As well as Elmore, another player who has earned their first call-up is Cavan-born left back Lucy-Jayne Grant, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through her father. The 22-year-old plays for Galway United in the League of Ireland, and she helped the club win the cross-border All-Island Cup in 2024. McArdle said he had identified Grant for a possible call-up early into this time at the job, and she had earned her chance after he and his staff done their "due diligence".
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