Rafferty back in NI squad as Smith, 16, gets first call-up
Central defender Laura Rafferty is back in the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming Nations League double-header against Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina.The experienced Rangers defender missed last month's 1-1 draw away to Romania, and the 1-0 win over the same opposition, through injury.Rafferty is named in a 24-strong squad which also includes veteran Newcastle United attacking midfielder Rachel Furness, who received a late call-up for the League B Group 1 encounter against the Romanians at Windsor Park in April.Northern Ireland's record goalscorer, capped 96 times, was returning to the squad for the first time in 18 months.Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Abbie Smith has been named in the senior squad for the first time after joining Manchester City on a two-year scholarship from Crusaders Strikers in March.The teenager was brought in to train with the squad last month but is now officially part of the panel.Linfield defender Abi Sweetlove and Glentoran midfielder Aimee Kerr also retain their places in the squad, with Rachel Dugdale and Megan Bell returning after missing the second of the two matches against Romania through injury. Uncapped Kerr, who turns 18 at the end of May, received her first senior call-up in April.Kelsie Burrows is out with an ankle injury sustained while playing for Cliftonville while Glentoran midfielder Chloe McCarron and Nottingham Forest Women striker Casey Howe both remain unavailable as they continue to recover from injuries.Northern Ireland will play unbeaten group leaders Poland at Seaview in Belfast on Friday 30 May and then travel to Zenica to face third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday 3 June.Oxtoby's side trail the Poles by three points in the standings.
Northern Ireland squad
Goalkeepers - Jackie Burns (Calgary Wild), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers), Abbie Smith (Manchester City Women).Defenders - Rebecca Holloway, Rebecca McKenna and Ellie Mason (all Birmingham City Women), Laura Rafferty (Rangers Women), Rachel Dugdale (Blackburn Rovers Women), Abi Sweetlove (Linfield Women).Midfielders - Louise McDaniel and Brenna McPartlan (both Burnley Women), Nadene Caldwell and Aimee Kerr (both Glentoran Women), Joely Andrews (Hearts Women), Megan Bell (Nottingham Forest Women), Connie Scofield (Sheffield United Women, on loan from London City Lionesses), Rachel Furness (Newcastle United Women).Forwards - Emily Wilson and Kascie Weir (both Glentoran Women), Lauren Wade (Hearts Women), Simone Magill (Birmingham City Women), Keri Halliday (Linfield Women), Danielle Maxwell (Burnley Women), Caragh Hamilton (Nottingham Forest Women).
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