Callaghan and Vance left out of Northern Ireland squad for Euro play-off

Marissa Callaghan and Demi Vance have not been included in Northern Ireland's squad for their Euro 2025 play-off with Croatia.

It is a much-changed squad named by Tanya Oxtoby as Northern Ireland look to take a step towards qualifying for back-to-back European Championships.

Former captain Callaghan, who elected to pass on the armband in May, helped Cliftonville to a league and cup double this season, and a treble is on the cards in Saturday's Irish Cup final with Lisburn Rangers.

Left-back Vance, who was another key player as Northern Ireland qualified for Euro 2022, is another high-profile omission by Oxtoby for the play-off.

"We have a rigorous selection process that we follow ahead of each camp and I have chosen a group of players for this camp that I feel can give us the best chance of winning this play-off," said Oxtoby.

"It is an exciting team and an exciting time and the squad is ready to go. The conversations I have had with the players not selected on this occasion will remain private and confidential which is aligned to the values of this group.”

"Every player in the squad and on the standby list has a role to play and the door is always open."

Nottingham Forest defender Nat Johnson is named in a first squad since qualifying for Euro 2022, while Birmingham City's Ellie Mason, London City Lionesses' Connie Scofield and Rangers midfielder Megan Bell return from injury.

There is also a change to Oxtoby's goalkeeping options as Lauren Perry is ruled out with an ACL injury and she is replaced by Cliftonville goalkeeper Rachael Norney.

Winger Caragh Hamilton and midfielder Nadene Caldwell will also miss the two matches through injury, as will Hearts strikers Kerry Beattie.

It had been hoped Northern Ireland's record goalscorer Rachel Furness would be fit to return for the first time in 12 months but she is also injured.

The 36-year-old, who has scored 38 goals in 95 caps, has been a regular for Newcastle United since moving to the Championship side in the summer.

The first leg takes place on Friday, 25 October (17:00 BST) before the return leg at Windsor Park on Tuesday, 29 October (19:00).

If Northern Ireland beat Croatia in the two-legged tie, they will face either Norway or Albania for a spot at next year's tournament in Switzerland.

Northern Ireland qualified for the play-off by finishing second in Group B3, with three wins from six matches.

Croatia were third in Group B4, behind Wales and Ukraine, and if Northern Ireland progress they will face Norway or Albania for a place at the Euro 2025 finals.

Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Bristol City), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers), Rachael Norney (Liverpool).

Defenders: Rebecca Holloway, Rebecca McKenna and Ellie Mason (all Birmingham City), Laura Rafferty (Rangers), Rachel Dugdale (Blackburn Rovers), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville), Rachel McLaren (Crusaders), Natalie Johnson (Nottingham Forest).

Midfielders: Joely Andrews (Hearts), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville), Brenna McPartlan (Burnley), Megan Bell (Rangers), Connie Scofield (London City Lionesses).

Forwards: Emily Wilson (Glentoran), Simone Magill (Birmingham City), Lauren Wade (Hearts), Keri Halliday (Linfield), Casey Howe (Nottingham Forest), Danielle Maxwell (Cliftonville).