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

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.