Crusaders Strikers star and Northern Ireland international Emily Wilson believes she is hungrier and more determined to succeed after taking a year out of the game.
The goalscoring sensation debuted at senior international level aged just 16 but took a year out of the game to focus on her education, before returning last season.
Wilson’s return to the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership last season was stunning, with an impressive individual campaign seeing her net four goals in a 7-1 rout over North Belfast rivals Cliftonville as she scooped the league’s Player of the Month award that November.
The teenage star was predictably soon restored to the international setup, where she was part of history as Northern Ireland qualified for the European Championships next summer.
Wilson explained: “I took a year out because I was doing my A-levels and I thought it was best to take a year out and focus on my education.
“I had been trying to juggle a lot of different things at the same time so I took the year out of both club and international football - that made me feel rejuvenated.
“I never set myself a timeframe of how long I was going to be out for, I just waited until I felt that I was ready to return to football.
“I took my time and then I started training with the Northern Ireland Under-19 squad, and then I joined up with Crusaders again.
“That time out made me hungrier to come back - I felt that year out meant I had to work even harder to get to the level my teammates were at.
“I’ve worked so hard since coming back, and to get my call-up to the Northern Ireland international squad from that was a real honour.”
Wilson’s success is no surprise to those who have watched her progression for her club side, where she plays alongside Northern Ireland stalwart Julie Nelson.
The striker has added that Nelson’s experience and knowhow is vital for her and all youngsters at the Shore Road club, while playing at international level has speeded up her own learning progress.
“It was amazing to be part of that squad and to train alongside so many great players like Rachel Furness and Simone Magill, there are so many great professionals,” she added.
“You’re constantly learning when you’re in the camp - every day you are picking up new tips from senior players who have had careers that you would look up to.
“I’m still only 19 and I’m still developing so to be around those players is the best place for me to be.
“The fact that I get to play alongside Julie at club and international level is great, you learn so much from her.
“It is not just on the pitch but also off the pitch in terms of how she conducts herself - she has played in so many different countries, she has so much knowledge.
“That experience is invaluable not only for me but all the youngsters at the club - she is a benchmark and a role model for all of us.
“Darcy Boyle is only 17 and at that age you have so much to learn, so having the likes of Julie about is crucial for her.”
Wilson has begun this campaign as she ended the last - she already has two goals in four appearances, but she insists that she does not focus on the numbers.
“My aim is to improve my tally from last season, obviously there are more games this season and I don’t look beyond the next game, but it’s something you always want to improve on,” said the striker.
“I don’t like to put too much pressure on myself - I want to enjoy my football and my focus is always on that and helping the team to good results, if I do that then the goals take care of themselves.
“To be a part of a successful team is the aim for all of us this season.”
Spike Hill’s Crues have collected four points from their opening four league games - with narrow one-goal defeats against Glentoran and Cliftonville a source of early frustration.
Wilson added: “We know the first few results have been a bit mixed but we are still trying to work out which formation and style suits us best this season, but we’re really positive with the direction we’re going in.
“This is a longer season and we know that we have time to get a run of wins together and we’re confident that will come sooner rather than later.
“We have a lot of younger players who have worked their way up from the academy at the club and it keeps everyone on their toes that there are new young players coming into the side.”
Next up for the Strikers is Wednesday night’s clash against Linfield Ladies and Wilson continues that the high standard of the league allows her to thrive: “To be playing week in week out over that sort of season is exactly what you need as a footballer, it improves your fitness and ability.
“This is such a tough division this year and it’s a cliché but there really are no easy games - you’re constantly challenged and you need to be at your best every week.
“Linfield are a really strong side who have had a lot of success in the past couple of seasons and will want to be challenging for every title.
“It’s the same as every week - you need to be on top of your game and be prepared with a gameplan or else you will be punished.”
