Teenage goalkeeper called into Northern Ireland squad for Nations League double-header
The Lisburn Rangers shot stopper will replace Maddy Harvey-Clifford who has withdrawn from the squad through injury.
Oxtoby said: 'Kate is a young player we've been monitoring for some time. She equipped herself well when she joined the squad as a training player during our last camp and deserves her place for these two games.'
Kate Smith is one of two teenage goalkeepers in the squad, with Manchester City youngster Abbie Smith named in the original panel.
The two youngster will likely play back-up to experience first-choice goalkeeper Jackie Burns.
The clash with Poland will be played at Seaview on Friday night, with kick-off at 7pm, before the team travel to Zenica's for Tuesday clash.
Oxtoby added: 'It's great to get the players together again. There is an optimistic mood about the place.
"We know we need to put the work in here over the next few days to prepare ourselves for the games against two quality teams in Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
'The players are all eager to play in front of the Green and White Army and we know how important they can be in helping us deliver a positive performance.'
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BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Watch: Cliftonville v Larne, plus text updates on all five Irish Premiership games
Update: Date: 19:38 BST Title: Highlights: Carrick get the better of Glenavon Content: Watch highlights of Carrick Rangers' 1-0 win over Glenavon at Taylors Avenue on Saturday as Danny Gibson's goal made it two wins out of two at the start of the new Premiership campaign for Stephen Baxter's side. This video can not be played Highlights:Gibson seals win for Carrick Update: Date: 19:37 BST Title: No panic at Glenavon despite slow start - McLaughlin Content: Glentoran v Glenavon (19:45 BST) Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin will not be pushing the panic button despite a stuttering start to the new season. The Lurgan Blues travel to the Oval on Tuesday (19:45 BST) to face a Glentoran team on maximum points. On Saturday, Danny Gibson's goal just before the break was enough for Carrick Rangers to inflict a second loss of the campaign on Glenavon. Despite that result leaving his side still in search of their opening points, McLaughlin feels a result in east Belfast can kick-start their season. "There's only two games gone and anybody looking at the league table now would be very foolish," he told BBC Sport NI after Saturday's 1-0 loss at Carrick "Nobody wants to be bottom, but there is a long way to go and a lot of points to be won and lost in a 38-game season. "The Glens are off to a flier, as you'd expect. They've a good side and it's always a difficult task going to the Oval. "It's a good game to look forward to and a good game to bounce back, so a good way to get our season up and running if we get a result." Paddy McLaughlin's Glenavon have lost their opening two league matches Update: Date: 19:36 BST Title: Team news Content: Glentoran v Glenavon (19:45) Declan Devine makes two changes to his side tonight as they aim to go top, if they can find a way past Glenavon. Captain Marcus Kane and midfielder Liam Burt come into the starting 11. Paddy McLaughlin also makes just the double change, as he introduces Michael O'Connor and Paul McGovern into the line-up. The Lurgan Blues are hoping to collect their first win of the season. Glentoran: Mills; Cooney, Kane, Palmer, Stewart, Coll, McEleney, Burt, Amos, Singleton, Jenkins. Subs: Urminsky; Hvid, Kelly, Ferris, Lindsay, Russell, Johnson Glenavon: Carney; McMullan, Burns, McKeown, Malone, Mallon, McClelland, Lowe, O'Connor, Carlin, McGovern Subs: Byrne; Murphy, McDaid, Lomboto, Wilson, Smith, Quinn Glentoran v Glenavon Update: Date: 19:35 BST Title: Currie wants to make Shamrock Park 'a fortress' Content: Portadown v Ballymena Utd (19:45 BST) Niall Currie has urged his Portadown players to make Shamrock Park a "fortress" as they prepare to host Ballymena United on Tuesday (19:45 BST). The Ports banked their first points of the new campaign with an impressive 4-1 win away to Dungannon Swifts with Eamon Fyfe and Joshua Ukek on target in the first half before a second half brace from Jordan Gibson sealed victory. That win followed an opening day home loss against Glentoran and Currie is keen of replicating last year's form at Shamrock Park when they lost in the league just four times. Ballymena sat out the weekend as their game against Linfield was postponed, but the Portadown manager noted their opening win away to Glenavon and wary of the threat of Jim Ervin's side. "We're delighted to get off the mark," he told BBC Sport NI following Saturday's win. "Sometimes you look at the fixtures and wonder where the first points are going to come from, so this was really pleasing. "Ballymena are up next, and they've started strongly with a win over Glenavon. It'll be another tough game, no question. "But the key for us is Shamrock Park. Last year, we made it a difficult place for teams to come, and that's exactly what we want to do again. We want to create a fortress here, somewhere nobody wants to visit." Niall Currie's Portadown have lost to Glentoran and beaten Dungannon Swifts Update: Date: 19:34 BST Title: Team news Content: Portadown v Ballymena United (19:45) Victories for both these sides in their previous outings makes team selection a relatively straightforward task for both managers. Portadown name the same 11 players who started Saturday's impressive 4-1 win at Dungannon. The only change to their panel from that game is on the bench, with the addition of Rhys Annett, signed on a season-long loan deal from Linfield. Ballymena's selection is even more routine - manager Jim Ervin names the same panel of 18 players who earned the Sky Blues an opening day victory at Glenavon. Portadown: McCarey, Chapman, Altintop, MacKinnon, McCullough, Thompson, Wylie, Teelan, Ukek, Fyfe, Obhakhan. Subs: Moore, Isamala, Rea, Mayse, Gibson, Traynor, Annett. Ballymena United: O'Neill, Toure, Gould, O'Donnell, Clarke, Thompson, Rocks, McEleney, Corbally, Kennedy, McCurry. Subs: Breen, Nelson, Jarvis, O'Connor, O'Reilly, Edogun, McCallion. Portadown v Ballymena United Update: Date: 19:33 BST Title: Highlights: Ports too strong for nine-man Swifts Content: Watch highlights of Portadown's 4-1 victory over Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park on Saturday, a game which saw the home side have two players sent off. This video can not be played Highlights: Dungannon Swifts v Portadown Update: Date: 19:32 BST Title: Swifts should embrace Coleraine challenge - McAree Content: Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts (19:45 BST) Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree has urged his players to "embrace the challenge" as they head to Coleraine in search of their first league points on Tuesday (19:45 BST). Last season's Irish Cup winners have made a slow start to the season, losing by three goals to Linfield and Portadown, but McAree identified some shoots of light in the second half of Saturday's home defeat to the Ports. However, they will have to do it without captain Gael Bigiramana and Leo Alves who were sent off at the weekend, while goalkeeper Declan Dunne is serving the second of a two-game suspension. "Coleraine are a very good side with very good players," McAree told BBC Sport NI after Saturday's 4-1 home defeat. "They have the resources to compete in the market, and they have title ambitions. It's going to be a challenge. "We'll be going there with three players suspended after just two games, which is disappointing. But we'll go and embrace the challenge, see if we can get something, and try to bounce back." Rodney McAree's Dungannon are looking to pick up their first points of the Premiership season Update: Date: 19:31 BST Title: Team news Content: Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts (19:45) The Coleraine starting XI shows three changes to that which began Saturday's scoreless draw against Cliftonville at Solitude. Levi Ives, Lewis McGregor and Matthew Shevlin drop to the bench and are replaced by Dean Jarvis, Ronan Doherty and Declan McManus. Dungannon Swifts head coach Rodney McAree goes one better, making four changes to the team which went down 4-1 to Portadown three days ago. Club captain Gael Bigirimana misses out after being sent off at Stangmore Park while Caolan Marron, Kealan Dillon and Andrew Mitchell are named among the replacements. James Knowles, Thomas Maguire, Mal Smith and Bobby-Jack McAleese get the nod to start. Coleraine: Harris, Kane (c), Jarvis, Boyle, Lyons-Foster, Patching, Cooper, Doherty, Glackin, Dunne, McManus. Subs: Evans, Long, McGregor, Shevlin, Ives, McGonigle, Stewart. Dungannon Swifts: Henderson, S. Scott, Knowles, Galvin, Glenny, McGinty (c), Maguire, Smith, McAleese, Wallace, McAllister. Subs: Glass, J. Scott, Maguire, Marron, Bermingham, Dillon, Mitchell. Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts Update: Date: 19:29 BST Title: Post Content: Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts One notable change for Coleraine this evening - and it's not on the pitch. Manager Ruaidhri Higgins misses out because of a 'minor medical procedure.' "Due to a minor medical procedure Ruaidhri is currently recovering at home and will miss the game," said a Coleraine FC spokesperson. "We look forward to him returning later this week." Former Institute manager Kevin Deery, part of the management team at the Showgrounds, steps up to take charge of affairs tonight. Update: Date: 19:26 BST Title: Higgins satisfied with Coleraine's defensive efforts Content: Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts (19:45 BST) Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins says he is pleased that his side are limiting their opponents' goalscoring opportunities as the Bannsiders prepare to put their unbeaten start to the season on the line at home to Dungannon Swifts on Tuesday night. A late Joel Cooper goal gave Higgins' team a 1-0 win over Larne in their Premiership opener at Ballycastle Road and his side kept another clean sheet in achieving a 0-0 draw away to Cliftonville on Saturday. "In the two games we've been involved in we've given up very little in terms of chances, which is really, really pleasing," the Coleraine boss told BBC Sport NI. "Between both boxes we were excellent [against Cliftonville]. It's not often you see teams coming to Solitude and dominating the ball as much as we did. "The disappointing thing for me was our final pass, cross or set-piece delivery wasn't on the money and we know we've got special players who will make that happen. But in terms of our general performance, happy with a lot of it." Coleraine will face a Dungannon team who have had a disappointing start to their campaign - going down 3-0 to Linfield and 4-1 to Portadown. "We know that Dungannon are a smashing team, it's only the start of the season, and it will only be a matter of time before they find their feet. "They'll be a really good side I've no doubt, I just hope they wait until after Tuesday night!". Higgins' Coleraine are unbeaten in their first two Premiership matches Update: Date: 19:23 BST Title: Team news Content: Bangor v Crusaders (19:45) There are two changes to the Bangor starting XI who were defeated by Glentoran on Saturday with Robbie Garrett and Ben Cushnie replacing Jack O'Mahony and Liam Hassin. Meanwhile Declan Caddell sticks with the same side from their only league fixture of the season so far when Carrick Rangers came from behind to defeat them by 4-3. Musa Dibaga starts between the posts with Robbie Weir captaining the side. Bangor: Deane, Lynch, Owens, Neale, McGuinness, Mulvenna, Harrison, Mulvenna, Morgan, Cushnie, Arthurs. Subs: McMahon, Haughey, Cushnie, Ferguson, Mathieson, Garrett, Burns. Cushnie Crusaders: Dibaga, K Forsythe, Hamilton, Weir, Brooks, Thorndike, Dunlop, J Forsythe, Bryden, Anderson, Lew Barr. Subs: Tuffey, Williamson, Od McCart, Nixon, Ol McCart, Leo Barr, Boyd Bangor v Crusaders Update: Date: 19:20 BST Title: Highlights: Glens see off Bangor at Oval Content: Watch highlights as Glentoran beat Bangor 1-0 at the Oval on Saturday to continue their winning start to the season. This video can not be played Highlights: Glens edge Bangor in tight Oval encounter Update: Date: 19:17 BST Title: Performances key for Bangor boss Feeney Content: Bangor v Crusaders (19:45 BST) Bangor manager Lee Feeney says the nature of his side's performances in their opening two matches of the Irish Premiership season have been pleasing for him. Last year's Championship winners began life in the top flight with a 3-1 win over Cliftonville at Clandeboye but were edged out 1-0 by Glentoran at the Oval on Saturday. Next up for Feeney's charges is the visit of Crusaders on Tuesday night. "The big thing for me is performances. The last two games we have had good performances and that's important to me. "If you can pick up points on the way then that's even better. We'll take the positives, learn from it and grow. "I'm really happy with the attitude of the players and proud of the performances they put in. "We'll look forward to Crusaders coming to Clandeboye on Tuesday night, which will be another very tough game." Lee Feeney's side have won one and lost one of their opening two Premiership games Update: Date: 19:14 BST Title: Highlights: Cliftonville and Coleraine share Solitude spoils Content: Watch highlights of Cliftonville's 0-0 draw with Coleraine in their Irish Premiership encounter at Solitude on Saturday. This video can not be played Highlights: Cliftonville and Coleraine share Solitude spoils Update: Date: 19:11 BST Title: Team news Content: Cliftonville v Larne (19:45) Reds boss Jim Magilton rings the changes after Saturday's goalless draw with Coleraine, making five alterations to his line-up. Shaun Leppard, Michael Glynn, Adebayo Fapetu, Conor Falls and Joe Gormley all come into the side, with Jonny Addis, Harry Wilson, Rhyss Campbell, Ryan Curran and Luke Conlan dropping out. Campbell and Conlan are long-term injury concerns for the hosts. In the opposite dugout, Gary Haveron takes interim charge of Larne for the second time following Nathan Rooney's abrupt exit. Haveron has tweaked his starting XI from last week's 0-0 stalemate against Portuguese side Santa Clara, with James Simpson and Matthew Lusty drafted in for the suspended duo of Aaron Donnelly and Conor McKendry. Cliftonville: Morrison, Pepper, Lavery, Hale (c), Falls, Leppard, Gormley, Glynn, Casey, Keaney, Fapetu. Subs: Ridd, Addis, Wilson, Curran, Gordon, Barr, McWoods. Larne: Ferguson, Gallagher, Randall, O'Connor, S. Graham, Nolan, Cosgrove (c), Bent, Lusty, Simpson. Subs: D. Graham, Magee, Bridgman, Kee, Moore, Hastings, Wallace. Cliftonville v Larne Update: Date: 19:09 BST Title: Rooney leaves Larne after one game of new Irish Premiership season Content: Cliftonville v Larne (19:45 BST) Nathan Rooney has left his position as Larne manager by mutual consent just one game into the new Irish Premiership season. The Englishman was brought in as Tiernan Lynch's successor last November from Gibraltar side Bruno's Magpies. However, he temporarily became Larne's head of football just three weeks after being appointed because he did not hold the licence required to lead the club in Uefa Conference League matches. Read more here Rooney was appointed as Tiernan Lynch's replacement last year Update: Date: 19:06 BST Title: Tuesday night's fixtures Content: Five-game Premiership programme A reminder of Tuesday night's five fixtures in the Irish Premiership. Tuesday night's fixtures Update: Date: 19:03 BST Title: 'Sockgate', face-offs and Gibson goals - Takeaways from Saturday's games Content: The second set of fixtures of the new Irish Premiership season may have seen only four matches played rather than the regular six, but Saturday's action still managed to throw up its fair share of talking points. Carrick Rangers and Glentoran established themselves as the pacesetters at this very early stage of the 2025-26 campaign as both clubs made it six points from six by securing home wins over Glenavon and Bangor respectively. Elsewhere, Cliftonville and Coleraine played out a goalless draw at Solitude, while Portadown defeated nine-man Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park for their first victory of the new term. BBC Sport NI looks at some of the main takeaways from the weekend's quadruple-header. Read more about the talking points from Saturday's games here. Coleraine's Joel Cooper in action against Harry Wilson of Cliftonville Update: Date: 19:00 BST Title: Five-match Premiership programme Content: Good evening and welcome to our coverage of tonight's five games in the Irish Premiership, including a live videostream of the meeting of Cliftonville and Larne on BBC iPlayer and at the top of this page. That encounter will see both clubs attempt to secure their first wins of the new league season. The match is given added intrigue by the announcement on Monday that Larne were parting company with manager Nathan Rooney, Gary Haveron assuming the role of interim manager while the Invermen begin their search for a successor to the Englishman. The east Antrim club lost to Coleraine in their solitary top-flight outing to date while their opponents at Solitude this evening have lost to Bangor and drawn with Coleraine. Elsewhere, Glentoran put their 100% record on the line when they host Glenavon at the Oval. The Lurgan Blues chase their first point of the campaign after suffering defeats to Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers. Unbeaten Coleraine are at home to a Dungannon Swifts side who have yet to collect a point so far, Portadown entertain Ballymena United at Shamrock Park and Bangor face Crusaders at Clandeboye Park. We'll have text updates from all five fixtures throughout the evening, plus in-play clips of the best of the action, so stay with us and you won't miss a thing!
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Haveron 'shock' at Rooney's departure from Larne
Larne interim manager Gary Haveron has told BBC Sport NI that "shock" was his primary emotion on hearing the news that the club's previous boss Nathan Rooney had parted company with the Irish Premiership club on had been put in temporary control of first-team matters for the second half of last season after it emerged that Rooney did not possess the necessary qualifications to lead the team into European Englishman was reinstated as manager in May after enrolling for his Uefa Pro Licence, with Haveron reverting to the position of assistant manager, but the Larne native will now take the helm for a second spell at his hometown club before a permanent appointment is made."Shock was my initial reaction whenever I got the call to say what had happened. I think that was the initial reaction of everyone at the club," said Haveron."Stability is really important now and hopefully that's what I can bring to the club for the time being, just get round the boys and support them."We've got a fantastic set of players at the club and the infrastructure is absolutely first class. It has been a turbulent 12 months but we're looking to move into calmer waters and hopefully I can help in that respect in the coming weeks."Haveron added that he was happy to step into the breach again following Rooney's exit."When the call came in and I was asked 'was I prepared to step in', the answer will always be 'yes'. I do what I can to support the club in any way, shape or form."It's obviously a big job in terms of the Irish League and a really attractive proposition for someone out there if that's what the club want to do."While I'm here it's my job to prepare the team, to get them organised and hopefully get the results on the football pitch."
BreakingNews.ie
4 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Young people unite at sports camp after cancellation of previous event over GAA involvement
More than 150 young people have been brought together for a sports camp which came after a similar event was cancelled amid a row last month. Cricket Ireland hosted the event in the grounds of Stormont estate which saw youngsters from across the North and Co Donegal play sport together. Advertisement Stormont Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron also attended the Cricket Connects Camp at the Civil Service Cricket Club on Tuesday. Cricket Ireland chairman Brian MacNeice (centre), with Junior Ministers Pam Cameron (left) and Aisling Reilly (right), and some young participants from the day's events (Brown O'Connor Communications/PA) In July a planned summer sports camp event in Comber, Co Down, was called off after concerns were voiced by some over the participation of the GAA. North Down Cricket Club then said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. Cricket Ireland announced its intention to step in and arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont. Advertisement On Tuesday young people, described as being from a wide range of sporting backgrounds, including GAA, hockey, and rugby, took part in the camp. Cricket Ireland said the event forms part of its ongoing commitment to growing grassroots participation and work in partnership with other sporting bodies to break down barriers and create shared opportunities for young people. Cricket Ireland chairman Brian MacNeice said the event offered the young people an opportunity to try different sports. 'Cricket is one of the most welcoming sports in Ireland and we have a long, proud history of working collaboratively with other sporting bodies and community groups to encourage kids to get involved in physical activities,' he said. Advertisement 'As a sport, cricket is for everyone, but while today's camp offered a chance for many local kids to try cricket for the first time, it also allowed them to experience each other's sports in a fun and supportive setting. 'Looking around us, what is obvious to me is the power of sport as a means to bring people together, promote inclusiveness and strengthen community bonds, particularly among the next generation.' Mr MacNeice added: 'This event was a true team effort to put together. 'We would like to thank Sport NI and the NI Government for their support, NICSSA for providing this fantastic venue and our sports industry partners for their enthusiasm and commitment. Advertisement 'We also couldn't have done it without the many cricket community volunteers, community partners and sponsors who ensured this year's event went ahead in style.' Ms Reilly praised those involved. 'It is fantastic to see so many young people involved in this Cricket Ireland event and enjoying all the physical and mental benefits of taking part in sports,' she said. 📡 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 150 kids attend Cricket Connects summer camp which was held today in Stormont. Full story ➡️ #IrishCricket — Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) August 19, 2025 'Through sports, children learn to be competitive, to strive to succeed and how to cope with the ups and downs of winning and losing. Advertisement 'Today's Cricket Connects Camp is a great example of how sports can unite young people from different backgrounds and from across this island to a team and build new friendships.' Ms Cameron said: 'I was delighted to be able to attend today's Cricket Connects Camp and to meet with the young people taking part in the activities. 'We want to see a better shared future for everyone, and sport is such a powerful medium for bringing young people across Northern Ireland together and laying the foundations to build long-lasting friendships. 'I want to congratulate Cricket Ireland on hosting the event and their ongoing work in encouraging grassroots participation and helping to get more children involved in sport.'
