‘Full-time move a challenge I’m really enjoying’

“It’s crucial that the right choice be made by the right person at the right time.”

Joely Andrews, who only wears 22 years of her name, may be a veteran international with 25 Northern Ireland caps.

She had long been a star at Glentoran after joining the team as a teenager, but she had spent most of her time in Northern Ireland’s domestic league until July of last year.

Following a strong start in Edinburgh last summer, a move to Scotland with Hearts came next, and it seems like the right decision at the right time.

“It’s been challenging and that’s what I wanted from the move”, said Andrews.

Although Andrews acknowledges that her transition to a full-time position with Hearts was a “step up,” she believes she has become more accomplished.

“I have definitely improved, and getting touches on the pitch every day, has improved my game.

” Training has been a challenge, but it’s been good for my game. My game understanding has improved.

“Especially at the higher level, you can’t play the same way for 90 minutes and you have to be adaptable.

Before their opening Nations League game against Poland on Friday, Andrews is making an appearance on Northern Ireland duty.

It is the first time Tanya Oxtoby’s side have been in action since their heavy Euro 2025 play-off defeat by Norway before Christmas, though the 7-0 scoreline doesn’t tell the full story.

Norway were always favorites to win the draw, but the majority of the damage was caused by the young Northern Ireland side getting caught in the headlights during the first leg in Larne.

But in the second leg, Oxtoby’s side made the star-studded Norway side work for their goals. The hosts were penalized for the first two goals before a deflected third earned the victory.

For Andrews, who has become a crucial cog in Oxtoby’s machine, the difference between the two legs was clear.

Even if the outcome doesn’t go your way, you can still learn a lot from playing top teams like Norway.

“With us, absolutely, that was the case. Between the first leg and second leg, we can take a lot from the performance.

Andrews says Northern Ireland” want to hit the ground running “in League B in Gdansk on Friday, before Bosnia-Herzegovina, who NI defeated twice in Euro 2025 qualifying, visit Larne on Tuesday.

With promotion and relegation in play, the Nations League will have an impact on World Cup qualifying for the following campaign.

” We have grown a lot as a team and a squad from the last campaign, so it’s important to get off to a good start, “she added.

” We weren’t satisfied with the result]against Norway] but the process was in the right direction.

We’re aiming to be in League A and the top of the group. Our goal is to leave League B, which we currently hold.