Milly Clegg gets callup to Football Ferns

Milly Clegg playing for the Junior Football Ferns in 2022.
Photo: photosport

Phoenix forward Milly Clegg is the only uncapped player named in the Football Ferns squad to play Iceland and Nigeria in Turkey next month.

The side has been boosted by the return of goalkeepers Victoria Esson and Anna Leat, as well as forward Jacqui Hand, who all missed the previous international window with injury.

Clegg is named for the first time after a breakout season for club and country, including goals at both the U-17 and U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Michaela Foster is named as part of the initial squad for the first time after being called up as a late injury replacement player during the February camp.

Ford Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková is excited to see her team test themselves against two good opponents:

“These games are both really good opportunities for us to test ourselves as well as look to implement some changes after the games last month.

“It is great we are able to bring back some players we were missing with injury as well as introduce some new faces we have been keen to bring into the team.

“Milly Clegg is a player we have been watching for a long time and are looking forward to seeing her as part of the senior team after brilliant performances at the U-17 and U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as for her club.

“Mickey Foster came into the squad in the last camp as an injury replacement player and really impressed so we are delighted to call her up from the start of the tour for the first time.

“Vic Esson, Anna Leat and Jacqui Hand are back after they missed the last camp with injuries which is a great boost for us.

“Ria Percival was close to being able to return for this window but will be spending the time continuing her recovery with her club.

“The team were all disappointed with the results last month so I know can’t wait to get to Turkey and prove what we can do ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in a few months’ time.”

The Ferns have failed to score a goal in their five losses this year.

They play Iceland on Friday 7 April (Saturday 8 April NZT) and Nigeria on Tuesday 11 April (Wednesday 12 April NZT).

Both games will be played at Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey.

The full 24-person squad is:

Mackenzie Barry (6 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

CJ Bott (37 caps) Leicester City, England

Katie Bowen (90 caps) Melbourne City, Australia

Claudia Bunge (18 caps) Melbourne Victory, Australia

Olivia Chance (42 caps) Celtic, Scotland

Milly Clegg* (0 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Daisy Cleverley (30 caps) HB Køge, Denmark

Victoria Esson (12 caps) Rangers, Scotland

Michaela Foster (2 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Jacqui Hand (10 caps) Aland United, Finland

Betsy Hassett (141 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Grace Jale (15 caps) Canberra United, Australia

Anna Leat (9 caps) Aston Villa, England

Meikayla Moore (63 caps) Glasgow City, Scotland

Erin Nayler (84 caps) IFK Norrköping, Sweden

Grace Neville (3 caps) London City Lionesses, England

Gabi Rennie (23 caps) Arizona State University, USA

Ali Riley (150 caps) Angel City, USA

Indiah-Paige Riley (7 caps) Brisbane Roar, Australia

Paige Satchell (40 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Malia Steinmetz (16 caps) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia

Rebekah Stott (87 caps) Brighton & Hove Albion, England

Kate Taylor (8 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Hannah Wilkinson (111 caps) Melbourne City, Australia