Elmore and Grant named in Northern Ireland squad

Kess Elmore came through the youth system at Liverpool and has played the majority of her senior career in Europe [Getty Images]Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore is a surprise first call-up for Northern Ireland's 2027 Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal.

>Elmore, 27, is a former England youth international and is one of five new call-ups in Michael McArdle's squad.

>Galway United full back Lucy-Jayne Grant is included for the first time, as are the Irish Premiership trio Naomi McLaughlin, Jane McMaster and Charlotte Havern.

>Havern has had a strong campaign for champions Cliftonville, while McMaster has stood out for Linfield and McLaughlin has impressed for Glentoran after a mid-season switch back to the league from Aberdeen.

>There are several absentees through injury, including Kelsie Burrows, Laura Rafferty, Nadene Caldwell, Megan Bell, Joely Andrews, Danielle Maxwell and Caragh Hamilton.

>Northern Ireland host Portugal at Inver Park on Friday, 9 October before the return leg in Portimao four days later.

>The sides last met in Euro 2025 qualifying when Portugal ran out 4-0 winners in Liera before a narrow 2-1 victory at Mourneview Park.

>If McArdle's side can upset Portugal, who are ranked 28 places higher than NI, then they would face Iceland or Croatia in the next play-off round.

>While the majority of teams who win the second play-off round will progress to the finals in Brazil, Northern Ireland's ranking means they would likely face an additional inter-continental play-off round in February, as the lowest European side, if they are to make a first World Cup.

>Northern Ireland squad

>Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Burnley), Lauren Perry (Montrose), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Cliftonville)

>Defenders: Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City), Rebecca McKenna (Birmingham City), Ellie Mason (Charlton), Natalie Johnson (Norwich City), Fi Morgan (Celtic), Abi Sweetlove (Linfield), Emily Cassap (Sunderland), Lucy-Jayne Grant (Galway United ), Jane McMaster (Linfield)

>Midfielders: Aimee Kerr (Glentoran), Mia Moore (Glentoran), Brenna McPartlan (Burnley), Keri Halliday (Hearts), Connie Scofield (Sheffield United), Naomi McLaughlin (Glentoran), Charlotte Havern (Cliftonville).

>Forwards: Lauren Wade (Hearts), Casey Howe (Celtic), Leyla McFarland (Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland), Cora Chambers (Linfield), Kess Elmore (Sparta Prague).