Emily Cassap's Northern Ireland Call-Up
Emily Cassap, who represented England at the Under-17 Euros and World Cup in 2024, has been called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the first time. After several attempts to reach her, Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle finally made the call, which proved to be a rewarding moment for both.
At 19 years old, Cassap is set to make her senior Northern Ireland debut in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Turkey and Switzerland in June. Earlier this year, she switched her international allegiance from England to Northern Ireland and has since been involved with the Northern Ireland Under-19s under Gail Redmond, impressing in a short period.
"Emily has made strong progress with Sunderland and then Middlesbrough [where she spent the second half of the season on loan]," McArdle said.
"She has worked under Gail with the Under-19s where she was one of the standout performers.
"We have known her for a good period of time and we look at her with excitement.
"We see her potential and has earned that recognition."
Strong Pedigree and Versatility
Cassap brings a strong pedigree to the Northern Ireland senior squad. In 2024, she helped England reach the final of the Under-17 Euros and the quarter-finals of the World Cup. She broke into Sunderland's first team at 16 and signed her first professional contract with the club two years ago. To gain more senior experience, she spent the second half of the season on loan at Middlesbrough, competing in the third tier.
While Cassap primarily plays as a central midfielder, a position where Northern Ireland traditionally fields three players, she is also capable of playing as a wing back on the left side. This versatility is seen as an asset that can aid her development on the international stage.
"When they are young it is great as that versatility gives them opportunity," McArdle added.
"As they transition into senior football they want to master certain aspects and roles.
"It's great to have that versatility, but what we see in Emily is an exciting young talent who reads the game very well.
"She is predominately a central midfielder, but that versatility to play as a wing back on the left-hand side gives her the opportunity for other roles."
Building for the Future
Manager McArdle has introduced young players such as Cassap and Linfield striker Cora Chambers during his tenure. His predecessor, Tanya Oxtoby, had given players like Aimee Kerr, Mia Moore, and Kascie Weir their first senior international minutes. For the upcoming qualifiers, 16 of the 23 selected players are under 25 years old.
McArdle described the selection as "an opportunity to invest" in the squad's long-term development while emphasizing the need to balance youth with experience.
"Emily has got exciting potential with both club and country," he said.
"It is another recognition to the pathway that Gail and Danielle and all the staff do that one of the young talents is breaking through again."
He also praised the contributions of Gail Redmond and Danielle McDowell-Tuffey in developing Northern Ireland's underage football pathway in collaboration with the Irish FA.
