Northern Ireland's Ciara Watling has revealed that she only found out through social media that she was not in the squad for this summer's European Championships.

On Monday, manager Kenny Shiels announced his 23-women squad for next month's tournament, which is the first that Northern Ireland have ever qualified for.

But Southampton midfielder Watling, who has 18 caps for her country, has not been selected - and it appears she hadn't been informed by Shiels.

'Heartbreaking not to be selected for the Euro's,' the 29-year-old wrote on Twitter. 'I honestly didn't expect to find out I wasn't via social media on Monday.

'Lucky to have amazing support and love around me. Good luck to all the girls, an outstanding group who will give all they've got.'

Watling only played 15 minutes during qualifying for Euro 2022, but played a key role for Southampton last season as they won promotion to the Women's Championship.

It is not the first time this year that Kenny Shiels and Northern Ireland have found themselves making unwanted headlines.

After watching his side lose 5-0 to England in April, Shiels said that female players are 'more emotional than men'.

His comments received huge backlash, including from former England internationals Ian Wright and Siobhan Chamberlain.

Shiels, 66, apologised 'for the offence caused' but received the full backing of his players as Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan released a statement to say that the squad 'collectively stand by our manager'.

Northern Ireland are in the same group as hosts England at Euro 2022, along with Norway and Austria. All of their games will be held at Southampton's St. Mary's Stadium.