Northern Ireland name five new faces in 23-player squad for Portugal World Cup play-off
On 30 September 2026 Michael McArdle announced a 23-player Northern Ireland squad that includes five debutants for the first-round 2027 Women's World Cup play-off against Portugal. The selection arrives amid a lengthy injury list and the absence of several established forwards.
Northern Ireland go into the Portugal play-off as underdogs and McArdle has had to adapt his selection because of injuries to key players. Simone Magill is back in training after having her first child, while Danielle Maxwell and Caragh Hamilton are unavailable through injury, opening opportunities for new call-ups. The manager has therefore integrated five newcomers into the squad to provide cover and options for the upcoming tie.
One surprise inclusion is 27-year-old Sparta Pargue forward Kess Elmore, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through her father from Lisburn. Elmore came through Liverpool's academy before moving to the USA in 2017 to play college football for the UConn Huskies and Oregon Ducks, began her professional career with Saint Etienne in 2023 and then joined Brooklyn FC for the inaugural USL Super League the following year. She has Champions League experience with Austrian champions St Polten against the likes of Chelsea and Lyon and moved to the Czech Republic in July; predominantly an attacking midfielder, she can play right across the forward line. McArdle said "that versatility brings a strength to us" and added: "The biggest thing for Kess is the attacking prowess she's got as a creative player and an attacking player," said the Scot. "It's been quite a special few weeks working with Kess in the background, so I'm looking forward to her joining camp and bringing those qualities to the group."
Another first-time call-up is Cavan-born left back Lucy-Jayne Grant, a 22-year-old who qualifies through her father and plays for Galway United. Grant helped Galway United win the cross-border All-Island Cup in 2024 and had spent time in the national set-up as a training player before earning this selection. McArdle said he had identified Grant early in his time in the job and that his staff had done their "due diligence": "Over the summer she's performed well and she has spent time in the environment as a training player, so we have got to know her. "She has broken through now on the left side of defence, so she'll add to the depth within there with the squad." Galway's website also notes that Grant can juggle and is a qualified piano and violin teacher.
McArdle's squad again features players from the Women's Premiership and the Irish League pathway, with eight squad members still based in Northern Ireland. The manager has handed first senior call-ups to three domestic-based players as part of that continued reliance on local talent, reflecting the pathway from the domestic game into the senior international group.
Attacking midfielder Naomi McLaughlin, 20, is one of the domestic first-timers and has moved between several clubs in recent seasons. McLaughlin broke through at Sion Swifts before moving to Cliftonville in 2024, joined Aberdeen in January and returned to Northern Ireland with Glentoran in July where she has impressed. McArdle said: "Naomi has had a real purple patch since returning to Glentoran," McArdle said. "It is exciting for her. She gives us another attacking option and a bit of versatility because she's slightly different to some of the players that are in the squad."
Two more Northern Ireland-based players drafted in for the first time are full back Jane McMaster, 22, and 16-year-old midfielder Charlotte Havern. McMaster has been a stalwart at Linfield, can play in the centre of defence, and has represented Northern Ireland at underage level and with the futsal team; McArdle said: "Jane has had a few consistent seasons and come through the international pathway," said McArdle. "She is having a fantastic season with Linfield and deserves her call-up, which is exciting." Havern was a key player for Northern Ireland at the Under-17s Euros in the summer and has helped Cliftonville to a Premiership and League Cup double, with the Reds also in the Irish Cup final; McArdle said: "Charlotte's impressive form with Cliftonville and has been a key part of their performances this season. "They have helped Charlotte break through into the national team to get this experience."
Northern Ireland will face Portugal in the first round of the 2027 Women's World Cup play-off, and the five newcomers are set to join the squad for that play-off window. The selection provides McArdle with added personnel ahead of the tie.
