Devlin's Excitement For WSL Opener This Weekend

LCFC Women midfielder Charlie Devlin says the Foxes will approach their Barclays FA Women's Super League debut at Aston Villa on Saturday with confidence after a productive pre-season at Belvoir Drive.

2021-09-03T07:38:00.000Z

LCFC Women midfielder Charlie Devlin says the Foxes will approach their Barclays FA Women's Super League debut at Aston Villa on Saturday with confidence after a productive pre-season at Belvoir Drive.

2021-09-03T07:38:00.000Z

Devlin's Excitement For WSL Opener This Weekend

LCFC Women midfielder Charlie Devlin says the Foxes will approach their Barclays FA Women's Super League debut at Aston Villa on Saturday with confidence after a productive pre-season at Belvoir Drive.

2021-09-03T07:38:00.000Z

Devlin's Excitement For WSL Opener This Weekend

LCFC Women midfielder Charlie Devlin says the Foxes will approach their Barclays FA Women's Super League debut at Aston Villa on Saturday with confidence after a productive pre-season at Belvoir Drive.

2021-09-03T07:38:00.000Z

Devlin's Excitement For WSL Opener This Weekend

LCFC Women midfielder Charlie Devlin says the Foxes will approach their Barclays FA Women's Super League debut at Aston Villa on Saturday with confidence after a productive pre-season at Belvoir Drive.

2021-09-03T07:38:00.000Z

- Charlie Devlin previews Saturday's WSL opener at Aston Villa (12:30pm kick-off)- It will be LCFC Women's first-ever outing in the top tier of women's football in England- The former Manchester United midfielder is excited by the challenges of competing at a higher level- She also discusses the new faces which have arrived at the Club over the summer months

The newly-promoted Foxes head to Banks's Stadium for a 12:30pm kick-off against a side who finished 10th in the top tier of women's football last season. For many of Leicester's players, it will be a first taste of the WSL, but with the hard work now done over the summer, Devlin believes they're ready.

"I’m feeling confident," LCFC Women's No.10 told LCFC TV earlier this week. "I feel like we’ve had a good pre-season under our belts. We’ve got a good group of girls. We’ve prepped well and we’re ready for Aston Villa.

"Obviously, I’ve been struggling with a little ankle injury, but I’ve done my rehab and I’ve prepped well to get back into the team and we’ve got such a good group of girls. The competition is high to get places in the team.

"I feel like, with the team we’ve got, it’s only going to bring the best out of me and the other girls. We’ve been training well, training hard, and it’s been nice to get some minutes."

On the task at hand against Villa, who have former Foxes Ruesha Littlejohn and Remi Allen among their ranks, Devlin is expecting a stern test of their top-flight credentials.

"It’s going to be exciting to see a couple of faces that used to play here, but it’ll be a good challenge for us," she added. "We’ve prepped well. All the girls are well up for it. It’s a Midlands derby as well, so that’s knocking on our door to perform, but I’m very confident in the team and the girls.

"Hopefully we can get the win. My family are going to be there and I’m sure everybody else’s will be too, so it’s going to be very nice to play in front of them because they support us and we’re doing it for them. It’s just going to be a really nice experience."

Devlin is a two-time winner of the FA Women's Championship but is yet to break through at WSL level. The former Manchester United midfielder, however, believes the time is right in 2021/22 to showcase her ability at a higher level.

"I’ve been waiting for this opportunity and it’s come at the right time," the 23-year-old explained. "I wasn’t ready before, otherwise I would’ve had that opportunity, but I feel like it’s the next step in my career. I’m excited and feel like I’m getting better each day, stronger and fitter, so it’s exciting times.

"I’ve changed by number to no.10 this season too, I just wanted a new challenge. I’ve always liked the no.10. It’s been my number since I was little. It’s just a new chapter and hopefully I can live up to playing in the no.10 role for Leicester, like [James] Maddison and other top players."

Seven new signings have arrived at the Club this summer and Devlin is pleased to report that everyone has settled in nicely into the group, with many bringing valuable know-how in the WSL.

"Of course, we need experience in the team," she said. "We need players who have played in this league before. I’m confident with the girls who got us up last year and confident with the girls that came in. We’ve got a good understanding of each other and it’s looking good."

All times BST.

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