From BBC Sport · · 1m 10s
Northern Ireland Call-Up for World Cup Play-Off
Kess Elmore joins Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off squad.
In brief
Kess Elmore joins Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off squad. Northern Ireland's 2027 Women's World Cup play-off team includes Kess Elmore and four new players to face Portugal in October. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Kess Elmore
Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore, 27, is a surprise first call-up for Northern Ireland's 2027 Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal.
New Call-Ups
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.
Recent Form
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.
Injuries
Kelsie Burrows, Laura Rafferty, Nadene Caldwell, Megan Bell, Joely Andrews, Danielle Maxwell and Caragh Hamilton are absent through injury.
Captain's Return
Captain Simone Magill, who gave birth to her daughter Skye in the summer, has returned to training but the play-off comes too soon for her to be involved in the matches.
Match Dates
Northern Ireland host Portugal at Inver Park on Friday, 9 October before the return leg in Portimao four days later.
In short
Northern Ireland's 2027 Women's World Cup play-off team includes Kess Elmore and four new players to face Portugal in October.
