Northern Ireland manager Kenny Shiels has named his squad for next month's FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifiers against Austria and England.
Shiels has made five changes to the panel selected for last November's games against North Macedonia for the crunch double-header.
He has opted for youth and experience in the 23-strong squad for the Austrian clash in Wiener Neustadt on April 8 and the big showdown with England at Windsor Park four days later.
Shiels said: “I am not even thinking of the England game yet. Everything is revolving around Austria.
"We are looking at ways we can contain them and where we can attack them.
“It’s going to be a tough encounter against Austria, but we will be ready for it.
Northern Ireland drew 2-2 with Austria back in October and lost 4-0 to England at Wembley in the same month.
The visit of the Lionesses promises to be a showpiece occasion, with 14,000 tickets already sold for the home clash.
Shiels is under no illusions heading into the opening qualifier against Austria, knowing a win would put Northern Ireland on course to finish second in the group and potentially reach a play-off for a place at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year.
Rangers midfielder Megan Bell returns for the double-header following a difficult year with injuries.
Also back are Glentoran midfielder Sam Kelly and Crusaders Strikers forward Emily Wilson, who were both injured for the qualifiers against the Macedonians.
Veteran defender Julie Nelson and Glentoran midfielder Caragh Hamilton both missed the trip to Spain but return for the upcoming competitive games.
Glasgow City striker Kerry Beattie and Glentoran forward Danielle Maxwell are not included this time due to squad rotation, while veteran Linfield Ladies defender Ashley Hutton is still recovering from a long term injury.
Northern Ireland currently lie third behind England and Austria in Group D.
England have won six from six, scoring 53 times without reply, while Austria are second in the table and narrowly ahead of Northern Ireland on goal difference. The Austrians also have 13 points but have scored 29 and conceded four compared to Northern Ireland’s 30 for and six against.
Northern Ireland squad
Goalkeepers – Jackie Burns (BK Hacken, Sweden), Becky Flaherty (Brighouse Town).
Defenders – Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes Women), Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City Women), Sarah McFadden (Durham Women), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville Ladies), Demi Vance (Rangers Women), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville Ladies).
Midfielders – Nadene Caldwell, Chloe McCarron, Caragh Hamilton, Sam Kelly and Joely Andrews (all Glentoran Women), Marissa Callaghan and Toni-Leigh Finnegan (both Cliftonville Ladies), Rachel Furness (Liverpool Women), Megan Bell (Rangers Women).
Forwards – Lauren Wade (Glentoran Women), Simone Magill (Everton Women), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers).
Read more: Late Austria agony 'proof of progress' says NI forward Wade
Read more: Irish FA sets out support plan for Northern Ireland senior women
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
