Women's Euro 2017: Natasha Harding back in Wales squad

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Natasha Harding returned to WSL1 action for Manchester City at the weekend

Manchester City striker Natasha Harding has recovered from an ankle injury and is in the Wales women's squad for their opening Euro 2017 qualifier in Austria.

Harding, 26, played her first game since July in Sunday's 1-0 win against Sunderland in WSL 1.

Former captain and Seattle Reign midfielder Jessica Fishlock has also been included for the match in St Polten on 22 September.

The other teams in Wales' group are Norway, Israel and Kazhakstan.

The match against Austria will be Jayne Ludlow's first competitive fixture in charge of the team after succeeding Jarmo Matikainen last year.

Eight group winners and the six best runners-up will join hosts the Netherlands in the finals.

The other two runners-up will contest a play-off for the last qualification spot.

Wales warmed up for their campaign with two friendly games against Slovakia in April, winning one and losing the second, and Ludlow's team had finished fifth at the Istria Cup in March.

Wales squad:

Kylie Davies (Reading Ladies), Loren Dykes (Bristol Academy Women), Sophie Ingle (Bristol Academy Women), Angharad James (Bristol Academy Women), Laura-May Walkley (Reading Ladies), Rachel Rowe (Reading Ladies), Nia Jones (Reading Ladies), Natasha Harding (Manchester City Women), Jo Price (Unattached), Helen Ward (Reading Ladies), Melissa Fletcher (Reading Ladies), Rhiannon Roberts (Doncaster Rovers Belles), Hayley Ladd (Bristol Academy Women), Naomi Clipston (Cardiff City Ladies), Claire Skinner (Reading Ladies), Chloe Lloyd (Cardiff City Ladies), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Kayleigh Green (Cardiff City Ladies), Helen Bleazard (Yeovil Town Ladies), Charlie Estcourt (Reading Ladies).