Tanya Oxtoby: Northern Ireland manager to miss Euro 2025 qualifier through illness

Tanya Oxtoby did not travel with the rest of the Northern Ireland squad on Sunday

Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby will miss their Euro 2025 qualifier in Bosnia-Herzegovina through illness.

Australian Oxtoby did not travel with the team on Sunday after a virus hit the Northern Ireland camp.

Coach Stuart McLaren will take charge of Tuesday's match in Zenica.

A number of Northern Ireland players and staff had been affected by the virus in the lead-up to Friday's goalless draw with Malta at Windsor Park.

"Unfortunately Tanya became very unwell on Saturday evening in Dublin before our travel to Bosnia on Sunday morning and the decision was taken for her to remain in Dublin and reassess how she was for potential to travel at a later time," said Angela Platt, the Irish FA's director of women's football.

"She is still too unwell to travel at this stage and will not be leading the team against Bosnia tomorrow."

Platt added that a "small number" of players had staff had been impacted by the virus and anyone with symptoms had been isolating from the rest of the squad.

"It's business as usual for us, in terms of the team, staff and players," she added, speaking to BBC Sport NI in Zenica.

"Tanya has prepared the team very well and work has been done prior to us coming out to Bosnia. It's about implementing that plan and making sure we prepare as well as we can."

Scottish-Australian coach McLaren was drafted in to help coach Northern Ireland for April's opening two qualifiers. Oxtoby had previously worked as McLaren's assistant coach during his stint as Scotland's interim manager in 2021.

The 48-year-old, who previously managed Scotland Under-16s and Celtic Under-18s, will be supported by coach Danielle McDowell Tuffey and goalkeeping coach Roy Carroll.

"Stuart and Tanya have worked well before and they have history in terms of their connections," Platt added.

"Stuart comes with a wealth of experience in the women's game.

"He has fitted in seamlessly in terms of the staff and it's good for him to lead, from our perspective. We know it is in safe hands and he is well supported by Danielle and Roy."

Northern Ireland got off to a disappointing start in Euro 2025 qualifying as they were held at home by Malta, ranked 87th in the world, on Friday.