Uncapped forward Cora Chambers has been named in new Northern Ireland boss Michael McArdle’s starting XI for April’s World Cup qualifiers against Malta.
The 22-year-old was part of Kenny Shiels’ full-time squad ahead of Euro 2022 but did not feature in the competition and has not featured for the senior team since.
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The Linfield striker scored 20 league goals for the Blues last year and has netted 39 goals in 47 games since joining the club from Sion Swift in 2024.
She was one of two changes made by interim head coach Kris Lindsay to a team that lost both games against Switzerland and Turkey.
Hearts midfielder Joely Andrews also returns to the 23-strong squad after missing last month’s game through injury.
Experienced defender Sarah McFadden has been dropped on the reserve list, while Glentoran midfielder Mia Moore, who made her first start in the defeat to Turkey, will be part of the under-19 squad that takes part in the European qualifiers this month.
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McArdle, the SFA’s head of elite women’s football and the former Scotland interim head coach, was appointed as Tanya Oxtoby’s permanent successor in March.
His first game as NI manager will be against Malta at Mourneview Park on Tuesday 14th April.
His side will then travel to Malta for their second match on Saturday, April 18, as they look to get their first win of the qualifying campaign.
Northern Ireland Women’s Team
Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Bristol City), Lauren Perry (Montrose), Abby Smith (Manchester City Women)
Defenders: Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City), Rebecca McKenna (Birmingham City), Abbie Sweetlove (Linfield), Natalie Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Ellie Mason (Charlton), Laura Rafferty (Rangers)
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Midfielders: Nadine Caldwell (Glentoran), Amy Cole (Glentoran), Joely Andrews (Hearts), Louise McDaniel (Burnley), Brenna McPartland (Burnley), Megan Bell (Linfield), Leila McFarland (Durham)
Forwards: Lauren Wade (Hearts), Kerry Halliday (Hearts), Cara Hamilton (Sunderland, on loan from Nottingham Forest), Cassie Ware (Glentoran), Danielle Maxwell (Burnley), Casey Howe (Wolves, on loan from Nottingham Forest), Cora Chambers (Linfield)