Scoring for NI at Windsor a special feeling but I must kick on: Kerry Beattie

Kerry Beattie in possession for Northern Ireland during the clash with the Republic at Windsor Park

She has the distinction of scoring Northern Ireland’s last goal of a memorable 2021 and also being the country’s final scorer of 2023.

The rollercoaster experienced by Kerry Beattie between those special moments against North Macedonia and the Republic of Ireland has seen the 21-year-old go through more than many others do in entire careers.

A dream move to Glasgow City that lasted only a matter of months and the disappointment of not making it into the Euro 2022 squad have been overridden by her more recent achievements, leading the Women’s Premiership scoring charts and netting in the Irish Cup Final as Glentoran Women won the double.

Beattie has, however, had to bide her time at international level, spending the first five games of Tanya Oxtoby’s reign watching from the bench before finally getting onto the pitch as a half-time substitute against the Republic.

The time between scoring as a substitute in July’s friendly in the Czech Republic, when she also replaced Simone Magill, and last week’s 6-1 defeat at Windsor Park has been far from wasted.

“It was the first time I got onto the pitch since Tanya came in. The last time I played was against the Czech Republic, I scored then as well and I’ve had to wait for my chance to come around,” said Beattie.

“I have had a brilliant time learning from Tanya and learning from Simone and at my age especially it’s about being patient because there are so many experienced players ahead of me.

“It’s about learning what you can and when you get on taking your opportunity. I’m 21 so in the grand scheme of things hopefully I’ve got another 10 or 15 years at this level and the only way