Natalie Johnson: ‘Baptism of fire’ first start worth the wait for NI defender

Johnson played the full 90 minutes at Inver Park as favourites Norway put in a clinical first-half performance with three goals.

However, Tanya Oxtoby’s side improved in the second half and limited Norway to one goal, which came from a scramble following a set piece.

“It was exciting. These are the type of players you want to test yourself against. You watch them on TV and think ‘wow, what a player’.

“To test myself against that for Northern Ireland was unbelievable.”

When asked how it compared to face Norway’s star-studded side in real-life, rather than watching on screen, she admitted it was “just as fast”.

“Just as fast. It was fast, it took us a little while to get into it but once we did, I think we gave a good account of ourselves.

“I’m enjoying every minute of being in with this squad and the staff. I’m enjoying it too much to stop now and I’m happy to be here.”

While Northern Ireland know progression to the Euros next summer is unlikely, Johnson hopes the youthful side can learn from facing a side of Norway’s quality.

“It’s an opportunity for us to learn and implement very quickly. We trust the process with Tanya.

“I think if we can show we have learned something on Tuesday then I think we’ve won.”