Sheffield United Women’s goalkeeper Becky Flaherty has made a welcome return to the Northern Ireland national team, injecting a wave of experience and talent ahead of their crucial UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 qualifier against Belarus. This pivotal “Euro Quali” match is set to take place in Belarus next Tuesday, October 27th, and Flaherty’s comeback is a significant boost for Kenny Shiels’ squad.
Flaherty, a seasoned player known for her shot-stopping prowess, returns after successfully recovering from a long-term hip injury. Her last appearance for Northern Ireland was a memorable one, where she delivered a heroic performance against Wales in Belfast during a previous Euro qualifier last November, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Her return for these vital “euro quali” fixtures is timely and greatly anticipated.
Adding further strength to the defensive line, Natalie Johnson is also back in the fold after a considerable absence. Johnson, who, like Flaherty, plays for Sheffield United Women in the FA Women’s Championship, last represented her country in March 2019. Her return provides valuable depth and experience to the team’s defense as they navigate these important “euro quali” encounters.
Kelsie Burrows, a solid defender from Linfield Ladies, is another welcome addition to the squad. Burrows missed last month’s successful trip to the Faroe Islands due to injury but has now regained fitness and is ready to contribute to the “euro quali” campaign.
Image alt text: Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager, Kenny Shiels, pictured during a team training session, strategizing for upcoming Euro qualifier matches.
Kenny Shiels has also recalled Caitlin McGuinness, reuniting her with her sister Kirsty in the squad. The McGuinness sisters have been in scintillating form in the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership, showcasing their attacking talent for Sion Swifts Ladies. Their combined tally of 12 goals in just five league games highlights the attacking threat they bring to the national side for these “euro quali” games.
Experienced midfielder Marissa Callaghan is also back in the squad after missing the Faroe Islands match for personal reasons. Her leadership and midfield presence will be invaluable as Northern Ireland aims to secure points in these “euro quali” fixtures.
Young midfielder Danielle Maxwell has also earned a place in the 21-strong squad. The 18-year-old Glentoran Women player, who last featured for the senior team at the Pinatar Cup in Spain earlier this year, replaces her Glens teammate Caragh Milligan, who unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury. Maxwell’s inclusion adds youthful energy and dynamism to the midfield options for the “euro quali” campaign.
Unfortunate absentees due to various reasons include Toni-Leigh Finnegan, Rachel Newborough, Rebecca McKenna, and Kerry Beattie. Megan Bell and Emma McMaster remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Looking ahead, after the away match against Belarus, Northern Ireland is scheduled to host Belarus on November 27th and Faroe Islands on December 1st, both at Seaview, to conclude their Group C qualification journey. These home fixtures present crucial opportunities to gain points in their “euro quali” bid.
Originally, these Group C “euro quali” matches were slated for earlier dates but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, with the rearranged fixtures, Northern Ireland has a renewed focus on achieving qualification for Women’s Euro 2022, hosted in England.
To qualify for the tournament, Northern Ireland needs to maximize their performance in these remaining “euro quali” matches. Nine group winners and the three best runners-up will automatically qualify, while the remaining six runners-up will compete in playoffs for the final three spots in the 16-team finals. Every game, especially these upcoming “euro quali” clashes, is therefore critical.
Please see graphic for full Northern Ireland senior women’s squad:
Image alt text: Graphic displaying the complete Northern Ireland senior women’s squad list for the Belarus Euro qualifier match, including player names and positions.
