Striker Simone Magill has been named Northern Ireland’s intact captain ahead of their Euro 2025 play-off against Croatia.
Magill succeeds midfielder Marissa Callaghan, who returned as captain at May.
The 29-year-old has made 85 international appearances and scored 25 goals.
Record leading goalscorer Rachel Furness has scored more goals for Northern Ireland than Magill, who made her debut as a 15-year-old in 2010.
Magill was key as Northern Ireland qualified for the Euro 2022 finals, but cruelly suffered a knock to his knee in his opening match against Norway.
He spent much of the first of his two seasons at Aston Villa recovering and signed for Birmingham Town in the summer window.
Midfielder Callaghan, who was no longer brought into the team through coach Tanya Oxtoby, resigned from her long-term role as captain at May, stating it was the “best decision” for the team.
Defender Laura Rafferty was handed the armband via Oxtoby in familiar fashion, but the Australian has now settled on Magill as her permanent captain.
“From our point of view we have gone through a diligent process,” said the leader.
“In fact, we have defined what management is and what behaviors our team leaders should have and, necessarily, Simone embodies everything that a leader is in terms of professionalism and behavior, and also the way she carries herself. in how we come together, which is a big part of what we’re trying to do.
The first leg of the first round play-off against Croatia will be played on Friday before the home game at Windsor Park on Tuesday 29 October.
Norway or Albania await the winner of the match in the final play-off round in November with the victor after qualifying for the Euro 2025 finals.
