Danielle Maxwell: Cliftonville midfielder named Women's Premiership Player of the Year

Danielle Maxwell was a key player for Cliftonville as they reached four cup finals

Cliftonville midfielder Danielle Maxwell has won the Women's Premiership Player of the Year award after scoring 14 goals in 2023.

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international, who provided many more assists, was named as the top player by the NI Football Writers Association.

Maxwell helped Cliftonville reach four cup finals last year.

"I love scoring goals and providing assists but I wouldn't have won if it wasn't for my team-mates," she said.

Although it was Glentoran that lifted the league trophy, Maxwell had a superb season for the Reds.

Maxwell starred as Cliftonville went unbeaten in all competitions until the end of June and she scored in the County Antrim Cup final victory over Crusaders.

An impressive first half to the season was rewarded with an international recall for the summer friendlies against Scotland and the Czech Republic before she netted a crucial equaliser against Hungary in October.

She added: "It was a special season as we reached four cup finals, but it was disappointing not to collect more silverware. But it's given us something to build on for next season.

"The most important thing, however, is the growth of the league with bigger attendances and more media coverage than ever before."