Caragh Hamilton Makes Triumphant Return to Northern Ireland Squad for Nations League

Caragh Hamilton, recovering from a hamstring injury, rejoins Northern Ireland's squad for the Nations League, bringing versatility and high standards to the team.

Nottingham Forest winger Caragh Hamilton has been reinstated in Northern Ireland's squad for the upcoming Nations League matches this February. After being sidelined with a hamstring injury during NI's Euro 2025 play-off defeat by Norway last November, Hamilton is set to make a strong comeback, replacing her injured Forest teammate, Casey Howe.

Tanya Oxtoby, Northern Ireland's head coach, expressed her enthusiasm about Hamilton's return, stating, "It's great to have her back; she has worked incredibly hard over the past few months to regain her fitness. Her professionalism and versatility will be crucial for the team, and she helps maintain the high standards we expect."

Oxtoby's squad is gearing up for their Nations League opener against Poland in Gdansk on February 21, followed by a home game against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Larne on February 25. The team will also face Romania in a double-header in April, marking their first fixtures of 2025.

Other notable inclusions in the squad are Danielle Maxwell and Louise McDaniel, who recently moved from Cliftonville to Burnley. Ellie Mason of Birmingham City, who won the Championship's player of the month and goal of the month for January, also joins the team along with Rebecca Holloway, Rebecca McKenna, and captain Simone Magill.

Midfielder Connie Scofield and striker Kerry Beattie, both on loan to Sheffield United and Aberdeen respectively, are part of the 23-player squad. The team is fully prepared for their Nations League campaign, which is also a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup.

Oxtoby emphasized the challenges ahead, particularly against Poland, who are in excellent form. She also drew confidence from their previous victories against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Euro 2025 qualifiers.

Northern Ireland Nations League Fixtures

  • Poland v Northern Ireland: Friday, 21 February - Gdansk
  • Northern Ireland v Bosnia-Herzegovina: Tuesday, 25 February - Larne
  • Romania v Northern Ireland: Friday, 4 April
  • Northern Ireland v Romania: Tuesday, 8 April
  • Northern Ireland v Poland: Monday, 30 May
  • Bosnia-Herzegovina v Northern Ireland: Thursday, 3 June

What to Read Next

Aston Villa Secure Permanent Transfer of Jill Baijings from Bayern Munich
Football

Aston Villa Secure Permanent Transfer of Jill Baijings from Bayern Munich

Aston Villa finalizes permanent signing of Dutch midfielder Jill Baijings from Bayern Munich, bolstering their squad ahead of the new WSL campaign with strategic European experience.

Lionesses Roar at 2025 Ballon d'Or: Wiegman Claims Coaching Crown, Hampton Secures Historic Yashin Trophy
Football

Lionesses Roar at 2025 Ballon d'Or: Wiegman Claims Coaching Crown, Hampton Secures Historic Yashin Trophy

England's Sarina Wiegman and Hannah Hampton shine at the 2025 Ballon d'Or, celebrating European glory and groundbreaking achievements in women's football.

Beverly Priestman's Fallout: Spying Scandal, Safety Fears & New Zealand Redemption
Football

Beverly Priestman's Fallout: Spying Scandal, Safety Fears & New Zealand Redemption

Former Canada women's football coach Beverly Priestman reveals safety concerns after FIFA ban for Olympic espionage, now seeking redemption with New Zealand's Wellington Phoenix.

FIFA-Backed Afghan Women's Refugee Football Team: Pauline Hamill's Historic Coaching Mission
Football

FIFA-Backed Afghan Women's Refugee Football Team: Pauline Hamill's Historic Coaching Mission

Former Scotland star Pauline Hamill embarks on a groundbreaking FIFA project coaching Afghanistan's women's refugee team, combining elite training with psychosocial support for displaced athletes.

Nigeria's Defensive Masterclass and Algeria's Historic Feat: Wafcon 2024 Quarterfinals Set
Football

Nigeria's Defensive Masterclass and Algeria's Historic Feat: Wafcon 2024 Quarterfinals Set

Nigeria clinch Group B supremacy while Algeria make history with first-ever knockout qualification at Wafcon 2024, setting up thrilling quarterfinal clashes in Morocco.

Sweden's Tournament Tenacity: The Underrated Powerhouse of Women's Football
Football

Sweden's Tournament Tenacity: The Underrated Powerhouse of Women's Football

England captain Leah Williamson praises Sweden's relentless tournament mentality ahead of Euro 2025 quarter-final clash, analyzing Arsenal teammate Stina Blackstenius' threat and Sweden's impressive group stage dominance.

Bend It Like Beckham 2.0: Director Gurinder Chadha Kicks Off Sequel Plans Amid Lionesses' Legacy
Football

Bend It Like Beckham 2.0: Director Gurinder Chadha Kicks Off Sequel Plans Amid Lionesses' Legacy

Director Gurinder Chadha announces a sequel to the iconic 2002 film 'Bend It Like Beckham,' timed with the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and England's historic Euro 2025 campaign.

British-Pakistani Footballers Lead Revival of Women’s Soccer in Pakistan: Grassroots Growth & Cross-Border Collaboration
Football

British-Pakistani Footballers Lead Revival of Women’s Soccer in Pakistan: Grassroots Growth & Cross-Border Collaboration

British-born Pakistani footballers Layla Banaras and Mariam Mahmood spearhead efforts to elevate women's soccer in Pakistan through national team roles, grassroots programs, and cross-border partnerships with FIFA-backed reforms.

Women's League Cup 2023/24: Manchester City Face Everton in Group Stage Clash
Football

Women's League Cup 2023/24: Manchester City Face Everton in Group Stage Clash

Manchester City confront Everton in a high-voltage Women's League Cup group stage, while Chelsea and Arsenal secure quarter-final byes. Full group analysis and schedule details.

Euro 2025 Final Four: Clash of Titans as England, Spain, Italy, and Germany Vie for Glory
Football

Euro 2025 Final Four: Clash of Titans as England, Spain, Italy, and Germany Vie for Glory

A tactical breakdown of Euro 2025's semifinalists: Defending champions England face underdog Italy, while World Cup winners Spain battle eight-time champions Germany. Explore key players, stats, and historical context ahead of Tuesday's decisive matches.

Alessia Russo: From Historic Backheels to Vineyard Visions – A Lioness’ Journey Through Glory and Ambition
Football

Alessia Russo: From Historic Backheels to Vineyard Visions – A Lioness’ Journey Through Glory and Ambition

England and Arsenal star Alessia Russo reflects on her historic Euro-winning backheel, family influences, and dreams of Italian vineyards in this revealing BBC interview. Discover how mentorship shaped her career and what drives the Lionesses’ golden boot contender beyond the pitch.

England's Road to Redemption: Can the Lionesses Conquer the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup?
Football

England's Road to Redemption: Can the Lionesses Conquer the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Analyzing England's evolving squad dynamics, emerging talents, and strategic challenges as they prepare to challenge global powerhouses USA, Spain, and Brazil in the 2027 Women's World Cup.

FAW Launches Comprehensive Review to Elevate Women's Football in Wales
Football

FAW Launches Comprehensive Review to Elevate Women's Football in Wales

The FAW initiates a detailed review of the Adran Premier to enhance the quality and engagement of women's football in Wales, following their Euro 2025 participation.

Aitana Bonmati: From Hospital Bed to Historic Third Ballon d'Or Triumph
Football

Aitana Bonmati: From Hospital Bed to Historic Third Ballon d'Or Triumph

Aitana Bonmati makes history by winning her third consecutive Ballon d'Or, overcoming illness to lead Spain and Barcelona to glory.

Michelle Agyemang's Return to Brighton: A New Chapter in WSL 2025-26
Football

Michelle Agyemang's Return to Brighton: A New Chapter in WSL 2025-26

Michelle Agyemang returns to Brighton on loan from Arsenal, aiming to build on her stellar Euro 2025 performance and secure consistent first-team football.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.