Furness: 'I'm really proud of everyone' | OneFootball

Northern Ireland's all-time record goalscorer has found herself playing in defence for United's last two games, including Wednesday night's cup tie against Everton Women.

The Magpies stormed into an early lead when Demi Stokes scored after just five minutes, eventually earning a 1-1 draw against their Women's Super League (WSL) opponents.

Becky Langley's side were on the wrong side of a 4-0 defeat away to Everton during pre-season, so to have improved on that so quickly pleased Furness.

"It was a fantastic performance from the girls," she said. "I think we really dominated in the first half and created the better chances.

"In the second half we organised ourselves very well, whether that be the girls who started or the ones who came on. Everyone put the shift in and I'm really proud of everyone.

"We played Everton in pre-season and maybe showed them too much respect that day, but nobody is going to come to Kingston Park and find it easy.

"We want to make this a hard place to play and a fortress, so a credit to everyone for showing what we're really about."

Four players were handed their first minutes of the season against Everton, so a bit of rustiness may well have been expected - but what played out under the lights at Kingston Park couldn't have been further away from that.

With at least two more tests against WSL opposition to come in the group stages, as well as a competitive Barclays Women's Championship season, summer signing Furness knows the importance of squad depth.

"Credit to all of the girls who came into the team," she added. "Everyone gave their all and is fighting for a shirt and to be starting more games. Every player in the squad is ready to go when called upon and chomping at the bit to start games.

"We all know it's going to take a whole squad effort to achieve our goals this season."

Having conceding just one goal in the last two matches, both of which have seen her at the heart of defence alongside two different partners in Deanna Cooper and Charlotte Potts, many may be excused for thinking Furness is a regular in that position.

However, United's number 19 had never played at centre-back in her 20-year career before stepping out onto the field against Portsmouth Women last Sunday.

"I've enjoyed these last two games," she told newcastleunited.com. "I said when I joined that I wanted to help the team wherever I'm needed.

"Obviously I've got to thank the girls around me - it was Deanna on Sunday and Pottsy (in midweek), as well as Demi on my left.

"It just shows the togetherness of the squad that they're all helping me adapt to a new position.

"I think I've done well in spells but I know I've got a lot still to learn. But for me, it's all about the team so I'll play anywhere."