Northern Ireland Women's Football Team

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

With injuries limiting her minutes and Tanya Oxtoby's youthful approach, Rachel Furness' retirement announcement is not entirely unexpected, but it does signal the latest changing of the guard for Northern Ireland.

However, just like when Marissa Callaghan announced her retirement, it is sad to see another of Northern Ireland's history-making Euro 2022 squad call time.

As a player, Furness will be ed as a fearless competitor who made history by becoming the record goalscorer for her country.

One of the most important strikes was in the historic Euro 2022 play-off first leg in Ukraine, when she netted the opening goal before she tried to play on after sustaining a broken leg. That sums up her dedication.

Away from her goals, one of the standout memories of Furness is her dancing around with her crutches in the air after the play-off win over Ukraine.

Furness also had a huge impact off the pitch, and her openness about her mental health struggles were inspiring as she encouraged other players to be open about their feelings and to stand up for their beliefs.

Her story is one of resilience and perseverance, and her all-round presence, not just her footballing ability, means she will be regarded as one of the most impactful players in Northern Ireland's storied history.

Image source, Getty Images

Northern Ireland midfielder Joely Andrews said that her side "have to bounce back" against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday after their disappointing Women's Nations League defeat against Poland.

At Seaview on Friday night Tanya Oxtoby's side suffered a 4-0 loss against Poland, who secured automatic promotion to League A with the win in north Belfast.

NI are second in the group and will secure that spot and a place in the promotion play-offs if they avoid defeat in Zenica on Tuesday, which Andrews says has to be their aim.

"If we finish a place higher in this group [NI finished third in their previous Nations League campaign] it will be progress," she said.

"We are looking for a good performance and ultimately to get three points on Tuesday.

"Us and Bosnia know each other inside out, we've played each other a few times so it will be tough, but we need to be hard to break down but good on the ball and create chances."

The Hearts midfielder added that while Friday night's defeat at Seaview "hurt", their spirited end to the game when they almost scored a consolation goal will give them confidence as they move onto Tuesday's crucial game.

"We weren't good enough in the first half and there were bits of the game plan we didn't execute but as players we take responsibility for that," she continued.

"The positive thing is in the second half we got a bit more control and we could create some more chances."

Image source, Irish FA

Teenage Lisburn Rangers goalkeeper Kate Smith has been called into the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming Women's Nations League matches against Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

It is a first senior international call-up for Smith, 18, who replaces Crusaders stopper Maddy Harvey-Clifford, who has withdrawn through injury.

Northern Ireland will host unbeaten group leaders Poland at Seaview on Friday (19:00 BST), followed by a trip to Zenica to face third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina four days later (18:00 BST).

"Kate is a young player we've been monitoring for some time. She equipped herself well when she ed the squad as a training player during our last camp and deserves her place for these two games," said Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby.

The Northern Ireland squad gathered at their training base in Leicester on Monday, where they will train before final preparations take place in Belfast for the League B Group 1 encounter.

Oxtoby added: "It's great to get the players together again. There is an optimistic mood about the place.

"We know we need to put the work in here over the next few days to prepare ourselves for the games against two quality teams in Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"The players are all eager to play in front of the 'Green and White Army' and we know how important they can be in helping us deliver a positive performance."

Northern Ireland trail the Poles by three points in their group with two matches remaining.

Northern Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Calgary Wild), Kate Smith (Lisburn Rangers), Abbie Smith (Manchester City Women).

Defenders: Rebecca Holloway, Rebecca McKenna and Ellie Mason (all Birmingham City Women), Laura Rafferty (Rangers Women), Rachel Dugdale (Blackburn Rovers Women), Abi Sweetlove (Linfield Women).

Midfielders: Louise McDaniel and Brenna Martlan (both Burnley Women), Nadene Caldwell and Aimee Kerr (both Glentoran Women), Joely Andrews (Hearts Women), Megan Bell (Nottingham Forest Women), Connie Scofield (Sheffield United Women, on loan from London City Lionesses), Rachel Furness (Newcastle United Women).

Forwards: Emily Wilson and Kascie Weir (both Glentoran Women), Lauren Wade (Hearts Women), Simone Magill (Birmingham City Women), Keri Halliday (Linfield Women), Danielle Maxwell (Burnley Women), Caragh Hamilton (Nottingham Forest Women).

Image source, Presseye

Midfielder Connie Scofield has been ruled out of the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming Uefa Women's Nations League games against Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

It was revealed on Wednesday that Scofield has picked up a hamstring injury, prompting her withdrawal from manager Tanya Oxtoby's group for the two matches.

The 25-year-old, who has just completed a loan spell at Sheffield United Women from London City Lionesses, will be replaced in the squad by Nottingham Forest Women defender Natalie Johnson.

Northern Ireland will play unbeaten Group B1 leaders Poland on Friday 30 May at Seaview, then face Bosnia-Herzegovina in their final game in Zenica on Tuesday 3 June.

Oxtoby's side sit second in the group going into the final two rounds of fixtures, three points behind leaders Poland.