Uncapped Chambers named in McArdle's first NI squad

Image source, Pacemaker

Image caption,

Cora Chambers featured for Northern Ireland at under-19 level

Uncapped striker Cora Chambers has been included in new Northern Ireland boss Michael McArdle's first squad for their April World Cup qualifying double-header against Malta.

The 22-year-old was involved in Kenny Shiels' full-time panel ahead of Euro 2022 but did not go to the tournament and has not been involved with the senior side since.

The Linfield forward netted 20 league goals for the Blues last year and has scored 39 goals in 47 appearances since making the move to the club from Sion Swifts in 2024.

She is included in one of two changes from the squad that lost both games in Kris Lindsay's interim spell as manager against Switzerland and Turkey.

Hearts midfield Joely Andrews also returns to the 23-strong squad after missing last month's games through injury.

Experienced defender Sarah McFadden drops to the standby list while Glentoran midfielder Mia Moore, who made her first start in the defeat by Turkey, will instead be part of the under-19 squad competing in Euro qualifiers this month.

McArdle, who was the Scottish FA's head of elite women's football and former interim head coach of Scotland, was appointed as Tanya Oxtoby's permanent successor in March.

His first game as NI manager will take place at Mourneview Park against Malta on Tuesday, 14 April.

His side will then travel to Malta for the second game on Saturday, 18 April as they look to pick up their first win in qualifying.

Northern Ireland women's squad

Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Bristol City), Lauren Perry (Montrose), Abbie Smith (Manchester City Women)

Defenders: Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City), Rebecca McKenna (Birmingham City), Abi Sweetlove (Linfield), Natalie Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Ellie Mason (Charlton), Laura Rafferty (Rangers)

Midfielders: Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran), Aimee Kerr (Glentoran), Joely Andrews (Hearts), Louise McDaniel (Burnley), Brenna McPartlan (Burnley), Megan Bell (Linfield), Leyla McFarland (Durham)

Forwards: Lauren Wade (Hearts), Keri Halliday (Hearts), Caragh Hamilton (Sunderland, on loan from Nottingham Forest), Kascie Weir (Glentoran), Danielle Maxwell (Burnley), Casey Howe (Wolverhampton Wanderers, on loan from Nottingham Forest), Cora Chambers (Linfield)