Northern Ireland boss hails talented teen for 'seamless' transition into senior squad
Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby says teenage goalkeeper Abbie Smth has earned her call up to the senior squad after impressing in training last month.
The 16-year-old was brought in to train with Oxtoby's squad last month and is now officially part of the panel for the forthcoming UEFA Women's Nations League matches against Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina given her level of performance in those sessions.
Smith made the switch from Crusaders to Manchester City in March and Oxtoby said there is no doubting her talent.
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"Abbie came in and she was seamless in relation to training intensity, being in and around the group and the maturity that she showed," said Oxtoby.
"There's no doubting her talent so that was really impressive. The main thing when we're looking at the younger players coming in is are they ready for that senior environment."
Uncapped duo Aimee Kerr and Abi Sweetlove retain their place in the squad after receiving their first senior call-ups in April.
Veteran Newcastle United Women attacking midfielder Rachel Furness is also included in the 24-strong squad after receiving a late call-up for the League B Group 1 home match against Romania last month.
"Furny will come in and whether she gets minutes or she doesn't get minutes the standard and the professional values she has after all her experience being in and around the game will help lift the group," said Oxtoby.
Northern Ireland are set to play unbeaten Group B1 leaders Poland on Friday 30 May at Seaview in Belfast (7pm) with Oxtoby's side currently three points behind them in second.
They will then face third-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final B1 game in Zenica on Tuesday 3 June (6pm BST start).
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