Tanya Oxtoby is the right manager to lead Northern Ireland into a bright future, says Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson hailed the young talent in the Northern Ireland squad

Tanya Oxtoby was hired to succeed Kenny Shiels

A new era, a new manager and new hope for Northern Ireland that more major tournament football lies ahead.

So says a player sure to play a big part in what she — and everyone else — hopes is a bright future under the management of Tanya Oxtoby.

After taking a full six months to appoint a new boss in succession to Kenny Shiels, who made history when he led the team to the Women’s Euro 2022 Finals, the Irish FA made everyone sit up and take notice with the appointment of the Australian.

Her impressive CV boasts experience as an assistant manager at international level with Scotland, with Chelsea Women and a spell in charge of Bristol City.

Naturally players do their homework when a new boss comes in and Oxtoby’s qualities mixed with her knowledge of what is happening at younger levels has striker Emily Wilson relishing the next stage of Northern Ireland’s journey.

“I think it’s (Oxtoby’s appointment) really positive for women’s football in Northern Ireland,” said Wilson, who is also eagerly anticipating Saturday’s Women’s Nations League opener against the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

“Her experience is phenomenal and hopefully that can drive us on.

“It’s a really exciting time for the international team and if you look at the young players coming through at clubs we have some really exciting young talent who could push on to the senior squad.

“You see what she has done and her credentials, but as well as that I think for us it’s about focusing on what we are doing and our future as a team.

“We know that the IFA have been able to get a good manager in and we are excited for that. “Hopefully we can