Northern Ireland women’s boss Kenny Shiels has been boosted by the availability of two key players for Thursday’s Euro 2022 warm-up game in Belgium.
Experienced Linfield defender Ashley Hutton is named for the first time in over a year after suffering a cruciate injury last summer.
And influential captain Marissa Callaghan is also included in the 24-strong panel after recovering from a recent toe injury that forced her to wear a protective boot.
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The 36-year-old Cliftonville midfielder is deemed fit enough to face Belgium, who are ranked 19th in the world at Herman Canderpoortenstadion in Lier on Thursday (7pm).
It's a major boost for Shiels just 17 days out from Northern Ireland's opening group game at the Euro 2022 finals in England.
Kerry Beattie, who left Glasgow City following the conclusion of the SWPL1 campaign, is included in Shiels' striking options, while Cliftonville midfielders Louise McDaniel and Toni-Leigh Finnegan have also been named after impressive starts to the season.
Northern Ireland are preparing for next month’s Euro 2022 finals when they will make history by becoming the first women’s team from here to play at a major tournament.
Shiels and his players are pitted against hosts England, Norway and Austria, with all three games at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium.
Northern Ireland’s opening group game is against Norway on July 7, followed by fixtures against Austria and England on July 11 and 15.
Northern Ireland’s squad for this week’s friendly in Belgium is as follows:-
Goalkeepers
Jackie Burns (BK Hacken), Becky Flaherty (Brighouse Town).
Defenders
Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville Ladies), Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville), Ashley Hutton (Linfield Ladies), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville Ladies), Sarah McFadden (Durham Women), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes Women), Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Laura Rafferty (Southampton Women), Demi Vance (Rangers Women).
Midfielders
Nadene Caldwell, Joely Andrews, Chloe McCarron (all Glentoran Women), Marissa Callaghan, Toni-Leigh Finnegan and Louise McDaniel (all Cliftonville Ladies), Rachel Furness (Liverpool Women).
Forwards
Kerry Beattie (unattached), Simone Magill (unattached), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Lauren Wade (Glentoran Women), Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers).
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