Tania Octobi, Northern Ireland, says she is “very excited” by including 16-year-old goalkeeper Abe Smith in her team in the upcoming Nations League match against Poland and Bosnia-Herjovina.
Smith was named for the first time for the first time after joining Manchester City in a two -year scholarship in March.
The teenager was brought to training with the team last month, but it is now an official part of the committee after persuading Ni Boss.
Northern Ireland ranks second in Group B1, four points behind the table columns before the final pair of matches.
They will play the leaders of the group who were not defeated in Seavief in Belfast on Friday, May 30, and then travel to Zenica to face Bosnia-Hergovina in third place on Tuesday, June 3.
“Abe came and was smooth with regard to the intensity of the training, the presence in the group and around it and the maturity it has shown,” said Octsopi.
“There is no doubt about her talent, so it was impressive. The main thing when we look at the younger players is that they are ready for that upper environment?”
Oxtoby shared two other youth players in modern teams, including Aimee Kerr, Abi Sweetlove, Keri Halliday and Kascie Weir.
“They are all playing well and adding a lot. They add a lot of quality to our group,” she added.
“We know that their ability says it is, but from a cultural and emotional point of view, are they ready? There are elements that we need to be appreciated, difficult for young players to enter.
“Our mission is to support them, and ABBIE really admired in this field. We are very excited to find out how to go in a full camp.”
