Northern Ireland hand debuts to Kess Elmore and Lucy-Jayne Grant for crucial Portugal World Cup play-off

Surprise debutants raise hopes of historic qualification

Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore is among five new names called up by Northern Ireland as manager Michael McArdle unveiled his squad for the country's 2027 Women's World Cup play-off against Portugal.

A summer of recruitment pays off amid injury crisis

The inclusions have caught attention partly because of timing: neither newcomer had previously featured in contention at senior level.