Birmingham City pair amongst English-based contingent named in Northern Ireland squad

Birmingham City pair Rebecca Holloway and Chloe McCarron are two of seven English-based players named in Northern Ireland boss Kenny Shiels’ 23-player squad for this month’s international challenge match against England.

The Northern Irish Football Association announced Shiels’ squad on their official website earlier today with Holloway and McCarron being two of three Barclays FA Women’s Super League players named in the squad. Everton’s Simone Magill has also been included in the 23.

There are also four FA Women’s Championship players included in Shiels’ group. Sheffield United goalkeeper Becky Flaherty has been selected alongside midfield trio Rachel Furness (Liverpool), Sarah McFadden (Durham) and Ciara Watling (Charlton Athletic).

The Northern Irish squad will come together for an international training camp in Belfast next week before they cross the water to face England in a behind-closed-doors friendly match at St George’s Park on Tuesday 23 February. It will be the first meeting between the two sides in 13 years.

Northern Ireland have qualified for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 play-offs which are set to take place in April. The nation are yet to learn of their opponents for the two-legged knockout tie, however, the draw is set to be made following the conclusion of the final group matches later this month.