Teen Sensation Emily Cassap Receives First Senior Call-Up for Northern Ireland

Emily Cassap, a former England youth international, has received her first senior call-up to the Northern Ireland squad ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Turkey and Switzerland in June. At just 19 years old, Cassap, who can play both in midfield and defence, switched her allegiance to Northern Ireland earlier this year. Previously, she played a pivotal role in helping England secure a second-place finish at the Under-17 Women's Euros in 2024 and has also represented Northern Ireland at the Under-19 level. Cassap's inclusion is part of a broader shake-up in Michael McArdle's squad, which features five changes: Fi Morgan, a defender from Cliftonville, returns for the first time since 2023. Mia Moore, a midfielder from Glentoran, is also back. Maddy Harvey-Clifford re-enters the squad as a goalkeeper, replacing the injured Abbie Smith. Kelsie Burrows is named after being a late call-up for April's matches against Malta. Notably, versatile player Caragh Hamilton and experienced centre-back Laura Rafferty are sidelined due to injuries. Northern Ireland is set to travel to Turkey on Friday, 5 June, followed by a final group game at home against Switzerland on 9 June. McArdle's side has already secured a play-off spot following their double-header with Malta and aims to maintain their position in League B. "Some of the changes are enforced," McArdle explained. He acknowledged the challenges of managing players' fitness as the season concludes and emphasized the excitement surrounding the competition for places in the squad. "With a transition, it brings opportunity and new faces, and that naturally brings competition. That's what we all want, and the players want it too; we all want the strongest squad we can possibly have."

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-29