Andrews to miss first leg of NI's Croatia play-off

Hearts midfielder Joely Andrews will miss the first leg of Northern Ireland's Euro 2025 play-off against Croatia on Friday evening.

The 22-year-old is suffering from an illness and has not travelled with her team-mates for the game at the Stadion Varteks in Varazdin.

The side have said they hope to have Andrews available for the second-leg at Windsor Park on 29 October and have not called up a replacement.

“Everyone is really excited to be back together," said manager Tanya Oxtoby.

"We know how important these games are so our focus over the next few days is working hard so that we are in the best possible position to bring home a good result.

“We had our first session on the pitch yesterday and everything is going well in that regard.”

If Northern Ireland advance past Croatia they will face the winner of the tie between Norway and Albania for a spot at next summer's European Championships in Switzerland.