Durham’s first signing of the winter transfer window saw Naoisha McAloon swap Ireland for the North East.

The young stopper made the switch from Peamount United having been monitored by the club for several months.

It was a big move for McAloon, as he headed abroad for the first time in her career.

But the transition has been smooth and undoubtedly aided by the fact the 22-year-old has the company of housemates Liz Ejupi and Rio Hardy to rely on.

So with a couple of weeks in the North East under her belt, how is McAloon finding everything?

“I’m really enjoying it all,” she said.

“The new lifestyle and training every day is really enjoyable, so I’m loving it.

“I’m really fortunate to have two great housemates, and we’re getting along well and having a laugh.”

Having swapped Dublin for Durham, the goalkeeper has wasted little time in becoming au fait with her new surroundings – and has begun to explore what the area has to offer.

“We went exploring during the week when we had a bit of free time,” she explained.

“It’s really nice – we saw where Harry Potter was filmed – and it’s a really beautiful place.”

McAloon has quickly engrained herself into the squad, and has gelled with her new teammates in remarkably quick fashion.

She attributes that to the welcoming nature of the Wildcats’ squad.

“All the girls are so lovely,” she explained.

“Everyone has been really welcoming and kind.

“They’re a great bunch of girls, and all the staff have been brilliant – they’re always available if you need anything.”

A goalkeeping union between McAloon, Borthwick, Brooke Mackain, Anna King and goalkeeping coach Stephen Brass has also been quick to form.

That, says the newest arrival, can only be a good thing.

“Brassy is a great coach,” said McAloon.

“The sessions are always brilliant and the goalkeepers all get along really well.

“We push each other and we’re always there to help each other be the best we can be.”

So what has the shot-stopper made of the standard at Maiden Castle?

Having helped her former side to league and cup triumphs – while also playing in the UEFA Champions League – McAloon is now stranger to elite football.

And it’s safe to say she’s impressed by what she has seen at Durham thus far.

“It’s definitely a step-up

“The standards are so high and everybody demands the best, so the tempo is high.

“I’m loving it.”