[Source IFA website, Vicky McWilliams]
THE Northern Ireland women’s team departed for Czech Republic today ahead of their UEFA Women’s Championship Qualifying match on Saturday 26 April.
Stacey Hall makes a return to the squad after an injury and will once again take up the role of team Captain.
Manager Alfie Wylie has been preparing the squad for their sixth game of the European Championship, “Since our last match against England we have played two local clubs sides in matches and have also had a series of training.”
“The girls have worked very hard and have just recently been through a series of fitness test at University Ulster Jordanstown – the results of which were very encouraging. From that we have developed on our Training Programme, and have stepped it up in recent weeks.”
“On Monday evening, Sports Psychologist John Cremer spoke to the girls and asked them what their targets and objectives were, and how they felt they had done so far in the campaign. The girls all seemed very optimistic and I personally feel that we can get at least a draw against the Czech Republic.”
“Our match against Czech republic last year was a very difficult game, although the first half was about the best we have played. We have gained a lot of confidence from the performance against England last month and are very much looking forward to meeting the Czechs on Saturday.”
Goalkeepers: Emma Higgins (Leeds United Ladies); Tiarna McKenna (Cliftonville Ladies).
Defenders: Aine McGovern (Fermanagh Mallards); Julie Nelson (Newtownabbey Strikers); Una Harkin (Linfield Ladies); Kelly Bailie (Glentoran Belfast United); Ashley Hutton (Leeds United Ladies).
Midfielders: Kimberley Turner (Glentoran Belfast United); Rebecca Corish (Newtownabbey Strikers); Demi Vance (Newbridge Predators); Laura Gillespie (Leeds United Ladies); Nadine Caldwell (Linfield Ladies); Roisin Havelin (Ballymena United Stars); Sara Booth (Newtownabbey Strikers).
Forwards: Amy McCann (Birmingham Ladies); Corinne Briers (Pali Blues); Stacey Hall (Glentoran Belfast United); Ashleigh McKee (Newbridge Predators).
Staff: Alfie Wylie (Team Manager); Alison McCloskey (Coach)
