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Shiels admits Northern Ireland are ‘massive underdogs’ but says wins against Euros rivals are ‘not beyond possibility’


KENNY SHIELS is urging ‘underdogs’ Northern Ireland to take the fight to their Euros rivals with his side set for a tough test against Norway.

The July duel between the history makers and a team likely to contain Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg will be his side’s first game ever at the tournament.

Kenny Shiels says Northern Ireland are ‘massive underdogs’ in the Women’s EurosCredit: Pacemaker

Shiels was speaking on Monday after naming his 23-strong squad two months after guiding Northern Ireland to a Women’s Euros for the first time in their history.

And the contest’s lowest Fifa-ranked side has the Herculean task of attempting to stun Norway, Austria and England in a bid to reach the quarter-finals.

The last two duels between Shiels’ aces and Norway, who they face at St Mary’s on July 7, ended in 6-0 Euros qualifier wins for the latter in 2019.

While the team are yet to beat the Lionesses in a fixture, they have shared the spoils with Austria, sealing a 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw last October.

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Shiels, 66, told reporters: “Our first priority is to try and win a game – we have three games, and if we win two of them then more or likely we will reach the quarter-finals.

“But when you look at the opposition, winning one game will be very tough.

“It is not beyond the realms of possibility but we are massive underdogs.

“We will try and win the first game (against Norway), and if we don’t win that then we will try and win the next one.

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“We are not going to make up the numbers.

“I will speak with them about these three big matches and I will say: ‘Don’t miss it, enjoy it’.

“This is not something that will make or break us.

“As long as we give our best and are totally committed to representing our country, then we can walk away with our heads held high.”

Shiels’ squad includes a number of aces from Northern Ireland’s top-flight as well as stars from the WSL, the Scottish Women’s Premier League and the Women’s Championship and National Leagues.

Skipper Marissa Callaghan, who has made 47 senior international appearances, is battling to be fit after sustaining a toe injury in May.

But the Clifton Ladies midfield ace, 36, is expected to be ready in time for her side’s first Euros game.

Marissa Callaghan is expected to be fit for Northern Ireland’s first Euros game as she recovers from a toe injuryCredit: Pacemaker
Durham’s Sarah McFadden is one of two Women’s Championship players included Northern Ireland’s squadCredit: Getty

Other stars in the squad include versatile Durham defender Sarah McFadden, 35, Liverpool midfielder Rachel Furness, 34, and veteran Crusaders Strikers centre-back Julie Nelson who is 37.

Between them, the trio have a combined total of 256 Northern Ireland caps.

Former Everton striker Simone Magill also made the cut along with Southampton’s Laura Rafferty.

But her Saints team-mate Ciara Watling has missed out.

And Wolves stopper Shannon Turner could be set for her first major international tournament appearance after being named in Shiels’ squad.

The Women’s National League North goalkeeper is the only uncapped player included in the group.

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And the Solihull-bred player, who made 24 league appearances for Wolves last season, shared her delight with her followers on social media.

In a post published via her Twitter page, Turner wrote: “Don’t think words can describe the feeling of this… What an honour this is.”

Wolves goalkeeper Shannon Turner could be in line to receive her first senior Northern Ireland cap during the EurosCredit: Getty

Northern Ireland Women’s Euros Squad

Goalkeepers

Jackie Burns (BK Hacken), Becky Flaherty (Brighouse Town), Shannon Turner (Wolverhampton Wanderers Women)

Defenders

 Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville Ladies), Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville), Ashley Hutton (Linfield Ladies), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville Ladies), Sarah McFadden (Durham Women), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes Women), Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Laura Rafferty (Southampton Women), Demi Vance (Rangers Women)

Midfielders

Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran Women), Joely Andrews (Glentoran Women), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran Women), Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville Ladies), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville Ladies), Rachel Furness (Liverpool Women)

Forwards

Simone Magill (unattached), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonvillle Ladies), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Lauren Wade (Glentoran Women), Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers). 


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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