Northern Ireland squad announced for Euro 2025 play-off against Norway

Tanya Oxtoby has made one change to her squad ahead of Northern Ireland's two-legged Euro 2025 play-off final against Norway. Oxtoby's side defeated Croatia 2-1 on aggregate in the first stage of the play-offs and will be targeting another massive performance against a side ranked 16th in the world.

Hearts striker Kerry Beattie has returned to the panel after injury, while Crusaders Strikers defender Rachel McLaren has moved to the standby list. Nottingham Forest defender Natalie Johnson, who returned to the Northern Ireland squad for the games against Croatia after a four-year hiatus, has retained her place in the squad.

Still missing through injury are Glentoran Women midfielder Nadene Caldwell, Nottingham Forest Women midfielder Caragh Hamilton and Montrose Women goalkeeper Lauren Perry.

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Northern Ireland - who sit 45th in the latest FIFA rankings - face a formidable challenge against a Norway side who defeated Albania 14-0 on aggregate in their opening play-off round. Despite the odds being stacked against her side, Oxtoby is confident of a bold showing.

She told the Irish FA's website: “We are really comfortable and happy with where we are at and we feel this group will give a great account of themselves against a really good Norway side,” she said.

“For me it’s about making sure that we play the game and not the occasion. It’s a double header and anything can happen. We need to remain focused on ourselves and continue to improve in a really high pressure situation,” she added.

The Northern Ireland boss added: “This is our moment now to go and enjoy it and test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”

Northern Ireland will host Norway in the first leg at Inver Park on Friday, November 29 (7pm). The return leg will be held at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on Tuesday, December 3 (5pm UK time).

A place at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland is guaranteed for the winners of the two-legged play-off final.

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