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      Iceland ace Gunnarsdottir ‘disappointed’ by Euros venue chosen for her national team’s group stage duels

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      SARA BJORK GUNNARSDOTTIR slammed Euros organisers’ decision to hold two of Iceland’s group games at Manchester City’s Academy Stadium.The Lyon star described the choice to field her nation’s clashes with Belgium and Italy at the ground as “disrespectful”.
      Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir (right) believes Euros organisers were not prepared for Iceland’s matches selling more than 4,000 ticketsCredit: Getty
      The Academy Stadium, which is the home of City’s WSL side, is one of nine English venues set to host Euros fixtures this July.
      The ground, which also hosts matches for the Citizens’ senior academy sides, has a capacity of 7,000.
      And the Iceland international reckons contest coordinators “should 100 per cent reconsider” their decision given the fast rate of ticket sales for fixtures.
      This week it was revealed all the tickets for Iceland’s games against Belgium and Italy had been purchased.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ETI-GLAD .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Haaland wowed by Etihad as striker ‘agrees £500k-a-week deal to join Man City’
      And Uefa confirmed tickets for the Women’s Euros finals at Wembley have also sold out completely.
      Gunnardottir, 31, told Their Pitch Podcast: “It’s shocking.
      “Playing in England there are so many stadiums, and we have a training ground from City taking what, 4,000 spectators.
      “It’s embarrassing. It’s not the respect (we deserve). Watch women’s football today, they are filling out the stadiums.
      “You see Barcelona and Madrid, 95,000 watching the game (at the Nou Camp).
      “They (Euros organisers) are not prepared that we will sell more tickets than 4,000.
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      “It’s disrespectful towards women’s football because it’s so much bigger than people think.
      “You think women’s football is getting two steps ahead but then something comes up like that it’s just a step back.
      Other Euros venues include Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium and Manchester United’s Old Trafford home which have capacities of 73,200 and 31,600.
      Uefa says tickets for England’s group stage clashes with Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland have sold out entirely.
      The Lionesses’ opening fixture against Austria will take place at Old Trafford with their remaining group games to be held at Brighton’s Amex home and St Mary’s.
      With some some women’s matches seeing a growth in fan attendance this season, Gunnarsdottir believes the venue for her team’s Euros group games should be reviewed.
      Her comments come three weeks after Barcelona smashed the crowd attendance record for a women’s club game.
      A total of 91,553 turned up to watch their Champions League second leg 5-2 trouncing of Real Madrid.
      Iceland are set to play Italy and Belgium at the Academy Stadium in two of their Women’s Euros group gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Gunnarsdottir, who has 136 senior international caps, added: “They should 100% reconsider it because of the reaction and just see how fast tickets are going.”
      “I don’t know what’s going on in their heads or even if they follow women’s football.
      “If you did, it’s common sense, just follow women’s football today it’s exploding. It’s getting so much better.” More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal 0 Chelsea 2: Hayes not interested in revenge on Man City as WSL leaders defeat Gunners to reach FA Cup final

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      EMMA HAYES insists payback will not be on the agenda when Chelsea face Manchester City after crushing Arsenal’s FA Cup final hopes.A Ji So-yun stunner – scored seven years after her Cup final winner against Notts County– helped the Blues seal a 2-0 victory.
      Ji So-yun struck to give Chelsea a 2-0 advantage in their FA Cup semis duel with ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Guro Reiten’s thumping second-half strike gave Chelsea the lead against ArsenalCredit: Getty
      The result paved the way for Chelsea’s May 8th Wembley date with City despite the Gunners’ spirited efforts.
      It also saw the Gunners’ trophy double chase ended with their rivals facing off in their second cup decider clash this term.
      Hayes said: “I’m never preoccupied with revenge type things. I don’t think about that.
      “I just know (in the Conti Cup final) we were our most vulnerable back then when we had a lot of players out.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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      “We’re in a really good space really in a good space, we’ve got players coming back into the group. This is a team in form, but so are City.”
      Chelsea came into the game without the mercurial skills of Fran Kirby with the forward ruled out for the rest of the season.
      But the Blues’ ace’s midfield colleagues ensured their side came out on top winning the battle in the centre of the park.
      Hayes added: “Midfield is where we won the game. In the game where we drew they beat us in this area.
      “But in this match, Erin (Cuthbert), Sophie (Ingle) and Ji So-yun were so dominant. That was also helped with our back three being superb.”
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      At a packed Borehamwood, Arsenal began the brighter of the sides with Mead looking to shoot around the fifth minute.
      And the Gunners forward took a hefty whack to the face from a ball with play stopped momentarily before she continued after treatment.
      Stina Blackstenius fluffed a cutback for Miedema after evading Aniek Nouwen on the left in the 13th minute.
      This was moments before Leah Williamson cleared Ji’s lofted cross into the cross.
      At the other end, Miedema fired narrowly over the bar from just outside the 18-yard box after a purposeful charge into the area around the 20th -minute.
      Later Cuthbert saw her shot from distance saved by Manuela Zinsberger.
      Vivianne Miedema sent a shot over the bar in the first halfCredit: Getty
      And Ingle’s long-range effort was cleared out of danger by Williamson shortly after the half-hour mark, before Niamh Charles prompted a stop from Zinsberger near halftime.
      The second spell saw Arsenal take things up a notch with Mead firing inches wide after deftly sitting Aniek Nouwen down with a pirouette.
      But Chelsea dealt a sucker punch seconds later with Guro Reiten walloping a classy left-footed opener past a full-stretched Zinsberger in the 48th minute.
      The hosts looked to hit back swiftly with Miedema releasing Caitlin Foord before the Australia ace was flagged offside near the 50th minute
      And England came close to scoring after receiving a long ball forcing Zinsberger to parry the ball wide of her post.
      Hayes’ aces doubled the lead with around half an hour remaining with Ji whipping in a top corner past the Gunners keeper.
      And the Austria number one was forced to intercept a pass intended for England with 16 minutes of normal time remaining
      Arsenal came close to nabbing a consolation at the death with Ann-Katrin Berger saving with her feet to keep a cleansheet.
      And Chelsea closed out the game to reach their fifth FA Cup final in eight years.
      Jonas Eidevall wants Arsenal to focus on a strong league finish this season with the WSL title still in contentionCredit: Getty
      The result leaves Jonas Eidevall’s aces’ chances of silverware resting with their chase for the title.
      The Gunners boss said: “I’m very disappointed in the match (result) but I’m very motivated in doing everything to finish off the season as strongly as possible.
      “That’s what we need to do and that’s most the important thing.” More

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      in Soccer

      Hayes expects pain and gain in Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with title-chasing Gunners

      by

      EMMA HAYES expects Chelsea to “suffer” in their FA Cup semi-final at Arsenal — but insisted these are the fixtures she relishes.Sam Kerr’s brace after Fran Kirby’s opener helped Chelsea sweep aside the Gunners 3-0 at Wembley in last season’s delayed showpiece.
      Emma Hayes is chasing a fourth FA Cup win with ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      The Blues sit one point ahead of Arsenal at the top of the WSL in the race to defend their title.
      But Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners have taken four points from two matches against their rivals.
      So Chelsea boss Hayes expects a closer contest at Borehamwood today in the race for Wembley on May 15.
      She said: “Arsenal have had a tremendous season, they really have.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BUY GEORGE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea takeover bidder Todd Boehly brings in George Osborne to help seal deal
      “We’ve been going neck and neck in every competition with them the whole way.
      “We’ve had a lot of battles over the years, I certainly enjoy those games.
      “We’re going to have to suffer at points in the game and I’m sure with the threats we’ve got, we will cause problems.
      “This is what you go to work for, these moments, these privileged positions and there’s nothing better than competing for a place to play in an FA Cup final.”
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       Midfielder Pernille Harder is likely to return but Chelsea said on Friday that England forward Kirby will be out for an indefinite period as she battles ongoing health struggles.
      Arsenal have yet to concede a goal in the competition this season and Eidevall is optimistic about their chances.
      The Swedish manager said: “If we believe together and do everything in our power together, we can achieve something special. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bampton hails ‘pure passion’ of Hayes and reflects on Croydon triumphs ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea duel

      by

      THE FA Cup holds a special place in the heart of Debbie Bampton, whose old club Arsenal play Chelsea in the contest semis later.The retired Lioness is thought to be the first female player-manager to steer a team to a Women’s Premier League and FA Cup double.
      Debbie Bampton (on the right) scored for Arsenal when they won their first Women’s FA Cup in 1993Credit: Action Images
      Her successes highlighted in the book entitled ‘A History of the Women’s FA Cup Final’, include helping Arsenal to win the contest for the first time 29 years ago.
      Renowned for her rampaging midfield play Bampton, was on the scoresheet that day, in April 1993 in Oxford.
      The Gunners, managed by Vic Akers, dispatched the Doncaster (Rovers) Belles 3-0 in front of a 3,457 crowd.
      Bampton, who lives in Eastbourne, said: “Arsenal are the team I’ve supported all my life so (the win) was pretty special.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}DON’T MESS WITH VI .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Vieira grabbed senior Arsenal star by THROAT aged just 20, reveals Keown
      “It was the year after I had come back from (playing in) Italy
      “Vic was the major guy back then who led the team to success”
      While Bampton, who now works for Royal Mail, enjoyed that moment, it is her first FA Cup win with Croydon of which she has the fondest memories.
      In 1996 she played for and managed the side then skippered by Brighton boss Hope Powell, that beat Liverpool on penalties.
      And the club also won the Women’s Premier League before going on to retain the title the following season.
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      Bampton added: “I had two seasons Arsenal and as much as I love them as a club, the love I had for Croydon was different. It was like a family.
      “We had talents like Hope and Brenda Sempare – who was a brilliant player.
      “We used to have nans and grandfathers come with us on coaches to games and boyfriends and girlfriends too.
      “I used to include them all, but that never took away from our professionalism.
      Hope Powell led Croydon to a Women’s FA Cup win in 1996Credit: PA
      “What we created there as double league champions was really, really special and something I will treasure as just as much as I do my first England cap.”
      Today Bampton’s old side will attempt to reach this season’s FA Cup final with boss Jonas Eidevall targeting his first silverware win in England.
      They face the formidable task of attempting to end Chelsea’s run with Emma Hayes’ team looking to dispatch the Gunners as they did in last year’s cup final.
      In Hayes, Bampton sees a head coach who shares same passion she has for the game.
      Bampton admires the success Emma Hayes has bought to ChelseaCredit: PA
      Bampton said: “What I like about Emma (Hayes) is her pure passion for football. Her coaching abilities are second to none.
      “You can see it when you watch her on the touchline.
      “And I liked that went she was asked about the Wimbledon job she replied why would I (leave) when I’m managing Chelsea.
      “Things like this show how far women’s football has progressed.”
      The Women’s FA Cup and wider game has evolved since Bampton hung up her boots in 2000 after a career that her honoured in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.
      And the top-flight game becoming professional is something Bampton sees as one of the sport’s most important milestones  
      The former England captain added: “I can remember sitting at the airport 23 years ago when I stopped playing for England and I thought ‘we have got to be full-time to compete’.
      “At the time Germany were probably 15 years ahead of us and we used to beat American sides and they caught up with us.
      Arsenal hope to avenge their loss against Chelsea in last year’s delayed FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
      “As full-time players, our footballers can now compete with the very best.
      “We took too long to progress, but now we seem to have caught up quite quickly.
      “We’ve got to keep progressing. I believe we’re close to becoming European or world champions.” More

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      in Soccer

      Harder open to idea of mid-match pause for players fasting during Ramadan and hopes to lead Hammers to FA Cup final

      by

      OLLI HARDER is open to a possible mid-game pause in WSL evening fixtures during Ramadan so Muslim players can break their fasts.And Harder’s club West Ham, who face Manchester City in the FA Cup later, have been supporting Hawa Cissoko with her training and nutritional needs.
      Olli Harder’s West Ham side hope to reach the FA Cup final for the first time since 2019Credit: Getty
      The France and Hammers centre-back, 25, is among the Muslim players in the WSL who are fasting during the Islamic holy month.
      Harder, 36, was speaking days after Leicester’s clash with Crystal Palace reportedly became the first Premier League fixture to be paused to allow fasting players to eat and drink at sunset.
      On the idea of a similar pause in games in the top tier, Harder said: “With anything that helps athletes perform better, then there should be a conversation about it. I would support the idea.
      “We have a lot of support structures and systems in place in regard to helping all our athletes.

      “With Hawa’s circumstances, there is an extra part that needs to be played there.
      “It has been managed well as she is fit, healthy and ready to go on the pitch.”
      West Ham’s FA Cup duel with City will be the third clash between the sides this season.
      Last time out, City avenged their October home loss to the Irons with a 2-0 win on the road.
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      But Harder’s aces will take inspiration from Hammers’ men reaching their first European semi-finals for 46 years on Thursday night.
      He added: “That result was a huge boost to the club as a whole, and the West Ham community.
      “For any team, it’s always part of the pre-season thoughts – can you get on a good cup run?
      “We have a massive challenge but hope to replicate our past success and reach the final.”
      Demi Stokes and Manchester City are targeting a league and FA Cup doubleCredit: Getty
      Demi Stokes hopes League Cup winners Man City can do a cup double, with the club’s England stars eager to retain a winning feeling ahead of the Euros.
      The City defender, 30, said: “It would feel like a great reward for our hard work and how much we have improved.
      “We all love to win and would love to keep that momentum going.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Lionesses ace Kirby ruled out of action for the ‘foreseeable future’

      by

      FRAN KIRBY has been ruled out of action for an unspecified period of time with the Chelsea ace contending with fatigue.The Blues forward shared a message with her followers on social media stating her intent to put her ‘health first’ and do all she can to ‘come back’.
      Fran Kirby is putting her health first after being ruled out of action for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The popular playmaker, 28, has been absent from action for Chelsea and the Lionesses since February.
      And Blues chief Emma Hayes, who team face Arsenal in an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, provided an update on the situation facing the WSL star.
      Hayes, 45, said: “(There is) no chance of her playing at the weekend.
      “She’s been taking some time in the background, been suffering with a lot of fatigue.
      “I don’t have a definitive reason why that is, we don’t know but we’re trying to get to the bottom of it and taking the time we can to try and find the right solutions for Fran.
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      “This is something that’s been ongoing and unfortunately until we get to the bottom of it, Fran won’t be available for selection.”
      On Friday in a message shared via her Twitter account, Kirby wrote: “I’m sad that I have to write to you all another message like this.
      “With this being an on-going issue throughout my career, it was time to put my health first.
      “Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to message, I’m doing everything to try and come back once again.
      “But until then, I will be Chelsea and the Lionesses biggest fan with you all.”
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      Kirby has played a formidable role in Chelsea’s frontline forming a goal-laden partnership with Blues striker Sam Kerr.
      This season the Reading-born forward notched up six goals and five assists in thirteen top-flight appearances.
      This follows the 16 goals she scored in 18 WSL appearances last term.
      And the Blues star bagged a brace in last year’s delayed FA Cup final with Chelsea defeating the Gunners 3-0 at Wembley in front of a crowd of 40, 942.
      Fran Kirby netted six WSL goals in 13 top tier appearances this seasonCredit: Getty
      That victory saw Kirby’s side achieve a trophy treble with the club bidding to retain their WSL crown as well as win a fourth FA Cup.
      Kirby also netted in England’s 3-1 defeat of Germany in the Arnold Clark Cup with the Lionesses winning the tournament in February ahead of this summers Euros.
      Last term the Blues star’s performances saw her win the PFA’s Player of the Year Award. More

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      in Soccer

      Northern Ireland skipper Callaghan and team-mates ‘stand by’ Shiels following ‘women more emotional than men’ remark

      by

      MARISSA CALLAGHAN and Northern Ireland players have given Kenny Shiels their backing after he was criticised for saying “women were more emotional than men”. Shiels later apologised for the comments made after his side were beaten 5-0 in by the Lionesses in a World Cup qualifier.
      Northern Ireland skipper Marissa Callaghan says she and her team-mates “collectively stand by” their managerCredit: Reuters
      Shiels apologised for comments he made after Northern Ireland’s game against EnglandCredit: PA
      The result put an end to their aims of reaching next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Following the game Shiels, 65, said: “Girls and women are more emotional than men. So they take a goal going in not very well.”
      His words came under fire from figures in the game including former England striker Ian Wright and retired Republic of Ireland Women’s captain Emma Byrne.
      Sky Sports reports Shiels will continue in his role as senior women’s team manager with Northern Ireland preparing to compete in this summer’s Euros.
      And team captain Callaghan, 36, says the ‘squad collectively stand’ by their boss who helped the team reach the Euros for the first time ever.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SHAW TO BE MISSED .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man Utd blow as Luke Shaw is set to miss rest of season after operation
      In a statement Callaghan, who has 47 senior international caps, said: “In light of recent events, collectively we stand by our manager.
      “We feel his interview was in relation to a meeting we had as a team where we analysed that we concede goals in quick succession and emotions was one of the many things we discussed.
      “Since Kenny took over our national team three years ago, I have always complimented him publicly on how he can get the best out of his players individually and collectively.
      “He is a man of integrity who cares for us like we are family.
      “Kenny has transformed the game here in Northern Ireland because he understands how to get the best out of his players.
      “We have qualified for a major tournament because he transformed our mindset.”
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      Under Shiels’ stewardship Northern Ireland made history by qualifying for the European Championships, the first major tournament the team will compete in.
      The side, whose players include Durham ace Sarah McFadden and Crusaders centre-back Julie Nelson, will take on Norway, Austria and England in the Euros group stages.
      Their opening game against Norway at St Mary’s will come almost three months on from them playing England in front of a record 15,348 crowd at Windsor Park in Belfast.
      On the turnout Callaghan added: “Selling out the National Stadium has been a pivotal moment for the game here in NI and we as players and staff will continue as a team to help grow the game and inspire the next generation of young players and fans.” More