Now back on the pitch, Nelson said she was “excited to get going” as Crusaders look to break into the top two of the Women’s Premiership and claim an elusive trophy.

Jonny Tuffey’s side are in the semi-finals of the League Cup, which started before the league action gets underway on 5 May.

Cliftonville and Glentoran have had a stranglehold on the top of the table in recent seasons and, while the Crues have defeated both in that time, Nelson says the challenge is to do so on a regular basis.

“It’s our aim to improve on the previous year. We have finished in third consistently over the past three or four seasons now.

“We are aiming to push into the top two but it’s a difficult challenge.

“Our difficulty has been our consistency. We defeated both opposition last year, so we know we are capable of beating those teams but it’s the inconsistent results when you lose to teams you maybe shouldn’t lose to.

“That is what has hurt us over the last number of seasons.

“Breaking our duck in terms of silverware has to be a realistic target.”