Celtic Cup: Northern Ireland vice-captain Caroline O’Hanlon says tournament ‘crucial’ for development

Currently, Northern Ireland are ranked 12th in the world with Wednesday’s opponents Zimbabwe one place below.

Therefore, it will be a good opening test for the Warriors and O’Hanlon feels it is “brilliant to get that mix” of domestic and African opposition over the five days in preparation for next year’s Games.

“They are going to be physical,” she said of Zimbabwe.

“They are a very athletic team with a lot of height, so it’s about playing to our strengths.

“All of the top nations are Commonwealth countries, so that’s where Northern Ireland want to be. You want to perform on the top stage, so coming in between World Cups is great to have that competition. This will be a good measure to see where we are at.”

While O’Hanlon is one of the veterans of the current 15-strong squad, there is plenty of fresh talent emerging in what she describes as a “transition period”.

Ana Mulholland and Emilia Gordon have been promoted from the summer’s World Youth Cup squad, joining established names such as team captain Michelle Magee, Emma Magee and Niamh Cooper.

“[There’s] a lot of talent in those younger players coming off the back of the U21 World Cup, so hopefully they are ready to step up to senior level,” O’Hanlon continued.

“We have lost a lot of experienced players over the last number of years and this is a bit of a transition period, but we want to get those young players bedded in. I think there’s enough ability there but it’s just getting that experience and confidence into them.

“This tournament is crucial for that, so we’ll know more off the back of this.”