World Cup 2023 qualifiers: Defender Rebecca Holloway returns for Northern Ireland after injury
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Rebecca Holloway missed October's defeat by England and draw with Austria
Rebecca Holloway is back in the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming Women's World Cup 2023 qualifier double-header against North Macedonia.
The Birmingham City defender returns after missing last month's games through injury.
Cliftonville forward Caitlin McGuinness is recalled by boss Kenny Shiels, with Southampton defender Laura Rafferty left out.
Crusaders striker Emily Wilson misses out through injury.
Shiels' side play the Macedonians Skopje on Thursday 25 November before returning to Belfast to play them at Seaview four days later.
Crusaders defender Rachel McLaren is retained by Shiels in the 23-strong panel after stepping in to replace Holloway last month, while Cliftonville defender Toni-Leigh Finnegan is not available once again due to injury.
Northern Ireland go into the double-header against North Macedonia in third place in Group D after only being deprived of a 2-1 win over Austria in their last outing, at Seaview, by an injury-time equaliser.
That 2-2 draw followed a 4-0 defeat by group leaders and strong favourites England at Wembley a few days earlier.
Shiels' side began their bid for a place in the 2023 World Cup finals - being hosted by Australia and New Zealand - with 4-0 home wins over Luxembourg and Larne.
Holloway 'feeling good' ahead of return
Holloway's return to the squad alongside key striker Simone Magill means there are two Women's Super League players in Shiels' squad for the first time since Northern Ireland's qualification for Euro 2022 in April.
"I'm feeling good. Coming off the last camp personally it was a shame to have to withdraw through injury but I know from the girls the result against England - it was always going to be a tough one - there were improvements from the last time we played them," said the 26-year-old defender.
"Against Austria nearly getting the win and getting a point from that was a huge confidence boost for the girls.
"I think the confidence we can take from the last camp and the results we got, regardless of the loss to England, we can take into North Macedonia. We know we can get results and the girls will believe in that. The girls will feel good going into the camp."
Striker Emily Wilson is missing through injury
Holloway, who made her NI debut against England in February, believes NI have come on "leaps and bounds" under Shiels.
"There is now that belief. We have the fans behind us too. The fanbase is growing and growing. Having that as well is massive for us," she added.
"When we play at home and we have the fans with us, it helps us get the results too. Obviously it's improved massively over the years and I think it will keep just getting better and better."
Northern Ireland squad:
Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Lee University/Glentoran), Becky Flaherty (Huddersfield Town), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers).
Defenders: Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes), Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City), Sarah McFadden (Durham), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville), Demi Vance (Rangers), Rachel McLaren (Crusaders Strikers).
Midfielders: Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville), Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran), Caragh Hamilton (Glentoran), Joely Andrews (Glentoran), Rachel Furness (Liverpool), Ciara Watling (Southampton).
Forwards: Kerry Beattie (Glentoran), Lauren Wade (Glentoran), Simone Magill (Everton), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonville).