Kerry Beattie Returns to Northern Ireland Squad for Euro 2025 Play-off Against Norway

Hearts forward Kerry Beattie, who was absent from October’s fixtures due to injury, has been selected for the Northern Ireland squad competing in the forthcoming Euro 2025 play-off against Norway. Beattie was unavailable for the 2-1 aggregate triumph against Croatia during the initial play-off stage due to her injury. Her inclusion marks a return, while Crusaders Strikers defender Rachel McLaren is not part of the squad. The opening match is scheduled for Inver Park in Larne on Friday, 29 November, with the return leg set for Oslo on Tuesday, 3 December. Apart from Beattie’s re-entry, the squad announced by Tanya Oxtoby remains largely unchanged, as Northern Ireland seeks to secure qualification for consecutive Euros finals. Nottingham Forest winger Caragh Hamilton continues to be unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, seasoned Glentoran midfielder Nadene Caldwell and Montrose goalkeeper Lauren Perry are also absent. Former captain Marissa Callaghan and Demi Vance, both experienced players, were not included, having also been omitted from the October squad that played Croatia. Rachel Furness, Northern Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer, was expected to make a comeback against Croatia but has not featured for Newcastle United since sustaining an injury prior to the October international window. Nevertheless, the re-inclusion of 22-year-old Beattie strengthens Oxtoby’s offensive choices, which also feature Lauren Wade, a key player against Croatia, and captain Simone Magill. Wade netted a decisive goal in extra time during the 1-0 victory over Croatia at Windsor Park, securing their spot in the final play-off and giving Northern Ireland a 2-1 aggregate win. Norway presents a significantly different challenge, having decisively defeated Northern Ireland in their three most recent encounters: two 6-0 victories during Euro 2022 qualifying and a 4-1 win at the finals in Southampton. Norway secured their place in the play-off final convincingly, achieving a 14-0 aggregate triumph over Albania. Lauren Wade’s extra-time winning goal propelled Northern Ireland beyond Croatia in the initial play-off round. Oxtoby stated that Beattie’s re-entry into the squad was “logical” following her recovery from the injury that prevented her participation in October’s fixtures. The Australian coach commented, “Her progression between the last window and now has been good.” Oxtoby added, “She is in a good place so we felt it was a logical step to bring her back in. She has worked really hard so I’m happy for her.” With only a single alteration from the previous camp, Oxtoby expressed her hope that the team’s consistency would help them leverage the momentum generated by Wade’s late winning goal against Croatia. She further elaborated, “We are really happy with the balance of the squad at the minute. We feel like a lot of the younger players are finding their feet and we’re building momentum.” Oxtoby continued, “We looked at Norway and the composition of the squad, and it worked.” She concluded, “We want to keep building the momentum and our journey, so it made sense to keep this squad together.” Following significant changes prior to the victory over Croatia, which saw Callaghan and Vance excluded, Oxtoby has chosen to maintain as much consistency as possible for what are considered the two most crucial matches of her coaching period thus far. Beattie’s return is logical and enhances the team’s offensive capabilities; the Hearts forward is also known for her opportune positioning within the penalty box. Norway has been a recurring opponent throughout Northern Ireland’s campaign and is widely considered the overwhelming favorite to advance to the finals in Switzerland next summer. Any perception that Norway’s strength had diminished was dispelled by their victory against Albania. Oxtoby’s team will need to perform optimally across the full 180 minutes. Hosting the first leg at Inver Park, as opposed to the larger Windsor Park, is expected to benefit Northern Ireland, though the magnitude of the challenge ahead should not be underestimated. Should Northern Ireland manage to defy expectations, it would represent an extraordinary achievement, and there is no question that they possess the conviction to do so. Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Bristol City), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers), Rachael Norney (Liverpool Feds). Defenders: Rebecca Holloway, Rebecca McKenna and Ellie Mason (all Birmingham City), Laura Rafferty (Rangers), Rachel Dugdale (Blackburn Rovers), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville), Natalie Johnson (Nottingham Forest). Midfielders: Joely Andrews (Hearts), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville), Brenna McPartlan (Burnley), Megan Bell (Rangers), Connie Scofield (London City Lionesses). Forwards: Emily Wilson (Glentoran), Simone Magill (Birmingham City), Lauren Wade (Hearts), Keri Halliday (Linfield), Casey Howe (Nottingham Forest), Danielle Maxwell (Cliftonville), Kerry Beattie (Hearts).