Rafferty and Watling due for Northern Ireland duty

By SFC Media time Thu 14 Oct International
Photo by Charles McQuillan | Ciara Watling (L)

Southampton FC Women's duo Laura Rafferty and Ciara Watling have been called up to represent Northern Ireland for October's internationals against England and Austria.

The summer signings have enjoyed a successful start to their time on the south coast, playing seven games each as part of Saints' perfect start to the 2021/22 season.

Watling has shown her goalscoring prowess with five goals in seven including a hat-trick at Hounslow during a 9-0 win.

Meanwhile Rafferty has been a mainstay as part of the Saints defence which has conceded just once all season; as well as notching her first two goals for the club last-time-out at home to Keynsham Town.

Press Eye - Belfast, Northern Ireland - 21st September 2021 - Photo by William Cherry/Presseye

Northern Ireland’s Laura Rafferty and Kerry Beattie after the final whistle of the 4-0 win in Tuesday nights Women's World Cup Qualifier against Latvia at the National Stadium, Belfast    Photo by William Cherry / Presseye
Laura Rafferty (L) at Windsor Park.

The pair will be looking to add to their combined 56 Northern Ireland caps at the end of October, with a visit to Wembley to face England before hosting Austria:

England vs Northern Ireland, 5.15pm BST (Wembley Stadium) - Saturday 23rd October

Northern Ireland vs Austria, 7pm BST (Windsor Park) - Tuesday 26th October

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