Northern Ireland captain Magill out of play-off
Briefly

Northern Ireland captain Magill out of play-off
"Injured Northern Ireland captain Simone Magill is one of several absentees for the Nations League promotion play-off with Iceland. There is a return for experienced defender Sarah McFadden, fellow defender Toni-Leigh Finnegan, and forwards Kerry Beattie and Casey Howe. San Diego-born forward Leyla McFarland, who plays for Durham, has earned a first senior call-up, as has Glentoran midfielder Mia Moore. Laura Rafferty and Ellie Mason join Magill in missing out through injury, while fellow key defender Rachel Dugdale announced her retirement from football in September."
"Burnley midfielder Brenna McPartlan is also missing for the play-offs, while the Irish FA said Glentoran's Demi Vance and Cliftonville defender Kelsie Burrows "both confirmed they were unavailable" for the play-off. Tanya Oxtoby's side secured a shot at reaching League A for the first time by finishing second in their Nations League group behind Poland. Iceland, on the other hand, were third in a League A group containing France, Norway and bottom side Switzerland."
"Losing Magill is a blow to Oxtoby, with the Birmingham City forward picking up a hip injury after a strong start to the WSL2 season. Magill played a key role in Northern Ireland's second-place finish in their Nations League group and had scored two goals in as many matches for the Blues this season. After the retirement of Dugdale, and injuries to Rafferty and Mason, McFadden's return to the Northern Ireland set-up is timely after a long-term injury and the birth of her second child."
Northern Ireland will play Iceland in the Nations League promotion play-off over two legs on 24 and 28 October. Captain Simone Magill is injured and misses the tie, with Laura Rafferty, Ellie Mason and Brenna McPartlan also unavailable; Rachel Dugdale retired in September. Sarah McFadden returns after long-term injury and childbirth, adding experience to a youthful defence. New senior call-ups include Durham forward Leyla McFarland and Glentoran midfielder Mia Moore. Northern Ireland finished second in their Nations League group behind Poland to earn the play-off, while Iceland finished third in a League A group with France and Norway.
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