With the absence of key attackers Simone Magill, who is back in training after having her first child, and Danielle Maxwell and Caragh Hamilton, who are injured, the introduction of Elmore to the squad is intriguing.
The 27-year-old Sparta Prague attacker qualifies for Northern Ireland through her father, who is from Lisburn.
Elmore came through Liverpool’s academy and made the move to the USA in 2017 to play college football for the UConn Huskies and Oregon Ducks.
Her professional career started with Saint Etienne in France in 2023 and moved to Brooklyn FC for the inaugural USL Super League the following year.
Elmore has Champions League experience with Austrian champions St Polten against the likes of Chelsea and Lyon, and she moved to the Czech Republic in July.
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Elmore can play right across the forward line and McArdle says “that versatility brings a strength to us”.
“The biggest thing for Kess is the attacking prowess she’s got as a creative player and an attacking player,” said the Scot.
“She’s coming in with good experience of playing against high quality opposition, and Portugal’s squad is full of players that are at elite European clubs.
“Not speaking on behalf of Kess, but when you get that first call up at the age of 27 it is quite a special moment.
“It’s been quite a special few weeks working with Kess in the background, so I’m looking forward to her joining camp and bringing those qualities to the group.”
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