Bels and whistles

Marissa Callaghan returned to the international stage with a substitute appearance in Northern Ireland Women’s 1-0 win over Belarus in Minsk this afternoon.

Despite the 27th minute dismissal of goalkeeper Jackie Burns, Kenny Shiels’ side edged in front through Rachel Furness just before the interval, while the second-half introduction of skipper Callaghan – in place of Nadene Caldwell – helped the visitors safely negotiate the remainder of the game at Dinamo Stadion, where victory handed Northern Ireland the initiative in the race for a Euro 2021 Play-Off place.