Northern Ireland women’s U19s are targeting a return to the “top level” as they kick-off their Euro 2022 qualifiers this evening.
The national team will face three pool games in League B of qualifying over the next seven days, starting with Malta at Inver Park on Wednesday (7.30pm).
Further group fixtures will follow against the Faroe Islands on Saturday (7.30pm) and Azerbaijan on Tuesday (2pm), both at Inver Park.
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The aim is to gain promotion back to League A for the 2022-23 edition of the Euros when the finals are in Belgium, with the 2022 finals hosted by the Czech Republic this summer.
Northern Ireland were relegated into League B after losing to England, Switzerland and hosts Republic of Ireland in a mini tournament in Limerick in October.
Experienced WU19s boss Alfie Wylie said: “Our main aim from this mini tournament is to emulate the WU17s, who were promoted to their League A in qualifiers last month.
“The WU19s want to get back to the top level too. Another aim is, of course, to continue the girls’ development. Taking part in a tournament is a great experience for them.
“There’s a great togetherness in the group and the girls have worked extremely hard since the mini tournament in Limerick.”
Wylie has made just four changes to his 20-strong panel.
In come Cliftonville goalkeeper Lauren Welsh, defenders Abby Redmond (Crusaders Strikers) and Kathryn McConnell (Linfield Ladies) and Glentoran striker Cora Morgan.
Cliftonville keeper Rachael Norney and Lisburn Rangers defender Erin McGreevy are both injured and are unavailable for selection.
All three games will be streamed live on the Northern Ireland YouTube channel.
NORTHERN IRELAND SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Lilie Woods (Mid Ulster Ladies), Lauren Welsh (Cliftonville Ladies).
DEFENDERS
Ella Haughey (Lisburn Rangers), Fi Morgan and Shona Davis (both Cliftonville Ladies), Jane McMaster and Kathryn McConnell (both Linfield Ladies),Abby Redmond (Crusaders Strikers).
MIDFIELDERS
Abbie McHenry, Grace McKimm and Erin Montgomery (all Cliftonville Ladies), Tierna Bell, Helen Parker and Mia Little (all Lisburn Rangers).
FORWARDS
Cora Chambers (Sion Swifts Ladies), Eve Reilly and Ellie-Mae Dickson (both Lisburn Rangers), Katie Dickson (Linfield Ladies), Darcy Boyle (Crusaders Strikers), Cora Morgan (Glentoran Women).
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