Nelson, who won the last of her 130 caps in 2022, also suggested introducing an extra layer to the structure of women’s football given the jump from under-19 level to senior level.
“We need something to bridge the gap between under-19 football and senior football,” said Nelson, who scored NI’s only goal at Euro 2022.
“There are a lot of players now, once they finish under-19 football maybe they won’t have the opportunity to get exposure again in the international team.
“The direction Tanya is taking the team, it seems like she is looking more at players who play in a full-time environment across the water.
“We need to close the gap here in Northern Ireland so that more players have the opportunity, firstly, to try to move across the water and, secondly, to get involved with the international team in the future.”
Northern Ireland have won seven of 18 matches under Australian Oxtoby and earlier this year maintained their status in League B of the Nations League.
Oxtoby has given opportunities to younger players and experienced campaigners such as Nelson, former captain Marissa Callaghan and Demi Vance have seen their involvement reduced.
“There has been a lot of talk about the young players that have been brought into the group. A lot of experience has been lost in the team,” Nelson added.
“There are over 600 international games of experience that have been missed in the last 12 to 15 months and that makes up a big part of the structure of the team.
“Those young players are getting a lot of exposure and opportunities now. There have been a lot of games, 18 since Tanya took over, so there are a lot of opportunities for them to get exposure in international football and when you play against teams of Norway’s level,” You will see the levels you should try to reach.”
