Northern Ireland have been dealt a blow ahead of their Women’s Euro 2025 Play-Off against Croatia on Friday night with the news that Joely Andrews will miss the first leg due to illness.
The midfielder, who joined Hearts from Glentoran Women in the summer, will link back up with the squad for the second leg at Windsor Park on Tuesday, October 29.
A replacement has not been called up to deputise for Andrews, who has scored twice in 22 appearances for her country.
The 22-year-old will hope to be available again for the return leg in Belfast and going forward should Northern Ireland prevail over Croatia over the two games, with a likely clash against a star-studded Norway waiting in the wings for Oxtoby’s side if they get the job done.
“Everyone is really excited to be back together,” Oxtoby said ahead of Friday’s game at Stadion Varteks in Varazdin.
“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.”