15-year-old Emily Wilson: "I want to play in the Premier League"

One of the youngest players selected to play in the Northern Ireland Under 19 women's squad, has said she aims to play top flight football in future.

Published 1st Aug 2017

15-year-old Emily Wilson was recently selected to represent Northern Ireland at the UEFA Under 19 Championships in August.

Northern Ireland are set to make history as they become the only women's team here to ever play in major finals.

The tournament hosts face sides such as Spain, Scotland and Germany in Group A of the competition.

Eight national teams are set to compete in the 16-day tournament across the province.

County Antrim teenager Emily Wilson says she is proud to be a part of the side representing the host nation and has been welcomed by the squad:

"I've been playing and training with them, they're a great bunch of girls and they're all very friendly so I enjoy it," she said.

"I've only been called into the squad but I knew them all from before...we're fighting for everyone on the pitch and our teammates so we just need to give it our all," she added.

During her recent debut performance, the Parkhead Integrated Grammar student scored and assisted in a 3-1 win over Wales.

Emily says she does not plan to stop there:

"Well I'd like to play professionally in England when I'm older so hopefully that will come true.

"Maybe Arsenal or Chelsea maybe, hopefully."

The 15-year-old forms part of an 18 strong squad who will take on some big names in European football.

Despite being one of the youngest players to feature, Emily says she tries not to let the added pressure of being a striker affect her performance:

"I just take it like any other game really, just pretend I'm just playing anywhere and don't think about the big stage," she said.

And she had a special message for any young athletes hoping to earn a cap in future:

"Just keep working hard, I just kept working hard and it's finally paid off so just chase your dreams and keep going."