‘Integral’ Rafferty closes in on 50 caps for NI

Tanya Oxtoby, the manager of Northern Ireland, describes Laura Rafferty as “integral” to their continued growth as she wraps up 50 caps.

Rafferty, a Rangers defender, will be eligible for the milestone if she plays on Friday night in Croatia’s opening Euro 2025 play-off game.

And Oxtoby heaped praise on the 28-year-old, who has also captained her country on numerous occasions recently.

“I always say about Raff, you know exactly what you’re going to get, she’s fully committed, gives 100% to the group and as a coach that is all you can ask for”, Oxtoby told BBC Sport NI.

The Northern Ireland squad has undergone a number of changes since Bosnia-Herzegovina’s final Euro 2025 qualifier in July.

Former captain Marissa Callaghan and Glentoran’s Demi Vance are two high-profile omissions, with the likes of Joely Andrews, Nadene Caldwell, Caragh Hamilton and Kerry Beattie ruled out through injury.

Oxtoby reiterated that “the door will remain open” for their return despite the numerous adjustments, but believes the squad has enough experience and quality to overcome Croatia.

“Those conversations]on the absences] will remain private between myself and the players as I think that is respectful, they have been given feedback like every player does”, Oxtoby explained.

“We feel we have a great squad composition, we have a lot of tactically flexibility, so I feel like we’re in a really good place”.

After impressing for her club, Nat Johnson, Nottingham Forest defender, was pleased to join Oxtoby’s first squad since making her debut at Euro 2022.

“She’s fitted in really with this group, brought a lot of positive energy and really wants to be a sponge”, the manager added.

Oxtoby also believes that new captain Simone Magill “epitomises” qualities she wants in an on-field leader.

Marissa Callaghan, who left the position in May, took over as Northern Ireland’s captain on Monday.

Simone epitomizes the qualities and traits we sought in our leadership team, according to Simone.

No matter who wears the armband, we have a great group of leaders in this group and we’re continuing to develop them, according to the players, who were a part of a really diligent process.

Northern Ireland will face the winner of the tie between Norway and Albania in Switzerland’s European Championships if they advance past Croatia.

Due to the absence of the Women’s Premiership players, the play-off will take place in December, which opens a new ambiguous window for Oxtoby.

The manager is happy to have a season window open for players from Northern Ireland and England and Scotland and for those who have just finished their studies.

“We’re going to be back in that difficult position in the next window, but we’re in a good position in this one.”