Netball Super League | Strathclyde Sirens, Celtic Dragons and Manchester Thunder amend Superleague squads

Lynsey Gallagher has suffered a knee injury which means Sarah MacPhail has been elevated to the Strathclyde Sirens squad

Strathclyde Sirens have called Sarah MacPhail into their squad for the 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague season after Lynsey Gallagher was ruled out following knee surgery.

On the eve of the new campaign – which begins in Birmingham with the Season Opener double-header on February 5 and 6 – the Scottish franchise are one of four teams to have announce changes to their playing squads.

Gallagher suffered a lateral meniscus tear in February last year and following surgery missed the remainder of the season, but was named among the Sirens squad during the off-season.

However a knee injury just before Christmas means she’ll play no part as Lindsay MacDonald’s squad look to build on last season’s best ever showing of fifth place in the Superleague.

MacPhail will step up to the matchday 12, with Cerys Cairns taking her place as a training partner and Gallagher will concentrate on being fit for Scotland’s Commonwealth Games squad later this year.

“It’s obviously disappointing losing Lynsey for a second consecutive season, she naturally brings a wreath of knowledge and experience to our attacking united therefore it’s a big loss.

“We will continue to support Lyns during her read and hopefully have her back on the training court within the next few months.

“As a result this now provides an opportunity to elevate Sarah into out match day 12 and Cerys to training partner. Both have worked extremely hard during pre-season therefore I am delighted for them.”

Lesley MacDonald, Strathclyde Sirens Head Coach

Three other franchises announced changes to their squads, Manchester Thunder elevated highly rated England Academy prospect Yomi Eza-Wilson to their 12-player squad after Elia McCormick suffered a knee injury.

Celtic Dragons have moved Phillipa Yarranton into their matchday 12 after Louise Marsden suffered an injury. London Pulse were the first team to confirm a chance at the end of last month when they revealed Halimat Adio had suffered an injury that elevated Alicia Scholes to the matchday 12, and Jayda Pechova to the role of training partner.

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