Elmore and Grant join Northern Ireland squad for Portugal play-off
September 30, 2026 16:32
WHAT HAPPENED
Northern Ireland's 27-player group features Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore and Galway United left back Lucy-Jayne Grant as surprise additions for the two-leg tie. Elmore is a former England youth international; Grant qualifies for Northern Ireland through her County Down-born father.
McArdle named the squad while managing a lengthy injury list. Several established players are absent because of injury, and captain Simone Magill, who returned to training after giving birth in the summer, is not available for the play-off.
KEY CONTEXT
- The ties start at Inver Park on Friday, 9 October, with the return leg in Portimao four days later.
- Portugal defeated Northern Ireland twice during Euro 2025 qualifying (4-0 in Liera and 2-1 at Mourneview Park).
- Portugal are ranked 28 places higher than Northern Ireland. If Northern Ireland beat Portugal they would face Iceland or Croatia in the next play-off round; because of Northern Ireland's ranking they would likely face an additional inter-continental play-off round in February as the lowest European side, should they continue to progress.
McArdle on his selection
"I use the word excitement because we've got a squad that's got a good mix," McArdle said. "It's highly competitive now to break into the squad, but also highly competitive to stay in the squad. That brings an energy and, going toe-to-toe with Portugal, that's exactly what you need when you want to try and qualify."
SQUAD (as named)
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)
Notable absentees through injury include Kelsie Burrows, Laura Rafferty, Nadene Caldwell, Megan Bell, Joely Andrews, Danielle Maxwell and Caragh Hamilton.