Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby says teenager Kascie Weir's debut in the 2-0 defeat by Poland shows the pathway available for young players.

The 18-year-old striker came off the bench with 16 minutes remaining as NI lost their opening Nations League game of 2025 to goals from Ewelina Kamczyk and Adriana Achcinska.

"I just said 'go and enjoy it'. You don't get that moment very often, or you only get it once, so she's earned it," Oxtoby said of Weir's international bow.

"She's gone on to the pitch, she's managed to sort of break the ice if you like, and that was the purpose of it for her, to get a feel for it and play probably with some of her idols I'd imagine as well.

"I'm really pleased for her and it shows the pathway and what we're trying to do here in terms of bringing players through."

Northern Ireland, who were captained by Rebecca McKenna in her 50th appearance for her country, conceded two goals in three first-half minutes against their Euro 2025-bound opponents in Gdansk.

Oxtoby's side looked more settled in possession in the second half - a positive the manager is taking into Tuesday's next Nations League game against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"We speak all the time that it's about the entire squad and you saw that again," Oxtoby added.

"It's really important from our point of view - and [it was a] much better second half from us as well so we're really looking forward to getting back home getting in front of our home fans."