Northern Ireland legend Ashley Hutton hopes Tanya Oxtoby’s decision to axe experienced Marissa Callaghan and Demi Vance doesn’t come back to haunt her.
Callaghan and Vance are both missing from the Northern Ireland squad for their crucial Euro 2025 Play-Off tie in Croatia.
Veteran Callaghan (39), who stepped aside as Northern Ireland captain earlier this year, failed to make the cut despite helping Cliftonville Ladies to a fabulous domestic treble this season which included a perfect 16-from-16 League-winning campaign.
Likewise, 33-year-old Vance — who enjoyed Premiership and Irish Cup glory with Glentoran Women last season after spells with Rangers and Leicester City — was omitted by Oxtoby, who has unveiled Simone Magill as Callaghan’s permanent successor as skipper.
Linfield Women’s Hutton, who retired from Northern Ireland duty with 115 caps to her name after the historic Euro 2022 Finals campaign, admits their omissions are a “big surprise”.
“We know that Tanya is not scared to make big decisions,” Hutton told the Bel Tel Football podcast.
“Julie Nelson has been left out, officially hasn’t retired from international football, so it’s not the first time that she’s made a big call such as this.
“They’re going now with a young team. You’re probably looking at Simone Magill as the oldest player in the team.
“You don’t have the likes of Caragh Hamilton in the squad, Rachel Furness, Sarah McFadden, those are all big players, and it’s whether or not our young players have the experience and the knowledge in the game to push forward and get a result against Croatia.
“It’s disappointing to not see them (Callaghan and Vance) in the squad.
“Marissa’s had a fantastic season with her club and, yes, she may be 39, but age is only a number as she brings so much experience to the young players.
“Demi Vance, second half of the season, I thought she was phenomenal. And it’s a big surprise to not see them in the squad.
“From a player’s perspective, it’s disappointing, they’re both close to getting 100 caps, too; who knows what the future will hold for both of them.”