NORTHERN Ireland boss Kenny Shiels heaped praise on Saints star Laura Rafferty, admitting: "She didn't get as much game-time as her ability would probably warrant."

Rafferty was part of the Northern Ireland squad which competed in their first Women's European Championship this summer.

The 26-year-old watched on from the bench as an unused substitute at St Mary's as Shiels's outsiders were beaten 4-1 and 2-0 by Norway and Austria respectively.

But the Southampton-born talent got her chance to feature at a major tournament, in her hometown, when she started in the final group match against England.

Despite the clear gulf in class between the two nations, Rafferty impressed in her stint in midfield, before being replaced midway through the second half of the 5-0 win for the Lionesses.

St Mary's was sold-out for the fixture, mainly with England fans, but also with a vocal pocket of Northern Ireland supporters staying behind to celebrate with their players for their efforts during the tournament.

Discussing Rafferty's big night, playing in a Euros in her hometown, Shiels told the Daily Echo: "I was fully aware of that and Laura has been great.

"She hasn’t had much game-time. When you’re competing with (centre-backs) Julie Nelson, Sarah McFadden, people like that there, she didn’t get as much game-time as her ability would probably warrant.

"But you have to bake the cake, and you need the right ingredients and at times it wasn’t right to put her in.

"I thought (the England game) was the right time and she’s answered me, it’s great. She deserves so much."

Rafferty, who has now earned 33 Northern Ireland caps, will now gear up for a season in the Championship with Saints, following promotion.