Dean Shiels reveals management dream as coaching partnership with dad Kenny bears fruit for Northern Ireland women

"When we first came in it was difficult to change the playing style and the mentality," Shiels told Sunday Life Sport. "There was a lot of vulnerability and not much self-belief, so we had to change the mentality first and then the style of play in terms of playing out and keeping possession more.

"It was a big transformation and we didn't expect the results to come as quickly, but it has all come together and has been fantastic.

"The improvement in the girls has been phenomenal and the Play-Off is going to be special.

"For the girls who play in the domestic League here, and that is the majority of our squad, we train with them as much as we are allowed to in the pandemic in order to keep our momentum going. We have a few girls across the water who are still involved in their Leagues but hopefully we can have a camp in February when we can get everyone together again.

"Whoever we draw in the Play-Offs we will be big underdogs, but you never know what can happen. We have strength, momentum and are improving all the time, and it's going to be a huge occasion for Northern Ireland football."

On working with his experienced and shoot-from-the-hip father Kenny, 35-year-old Dean said: "We share the same philosophy. No matter what staff you are part of, you have to be on the same page and we want to get the ball down and play through the thirds. But also I have a relationship with my dad where I can disagree with him and I think he likes that. It is a healthy relationship and has been successful so far and long may that continue.

"We want to promote women's football and are trying to get more girls across the water into full-time football like Rachel Furness and Chloe McCarron."

As well as coaching the women's team, the former Northern Ireland ace runs the well-respected Shiels Academy for elite young players in Ballymoney and Castledawson.

Shiels revealed: "I want to manage and I want to coach and go as far as I can. I have had some great experiences over the years as a player and worked with some brilliant managers and coaches and feel I have a lot to offer.

"Whether that is here or Scotland, where I spent a decade, or somewhere else, I don't know. There are limited full-time roles in this country but I feel passionate about trying to improve players in Northern Ireland because I think the technical side of the game here can be poor. I also think game knowledge and decision making could be improved.

"I enjoy coaching the women's team. It has been a good experience for me. I am starting my Pro Licence in May. I am enjoying the process and am always educating myself to be better. I want to be the best manager or coach that I can be."

Sunday Life