FRAN KIRBY says England fans’ reaction to her international return from a knee injury is a “special” moment she will not forget.
The forward played for the Lionesses on Friday for the first time since last October and her recovery from a “frustrating” knee problem.
Her entry in the 65th minute of England’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium was greeted enthusiastically by a crowd of more than 28,000 at the King Power.
Many of whom roared whenever the Chelsea ace was within shooting distance during a lively Women’s Nations League encounter.
Kirby’s comeback was also hailed by Lioness pal Lucy Bronze, who describes the playmaker as “one of the best players in the world on her day.”
The forward, whose side play Belgium again on Tuesday said: “The support I’ve had over the last year has been incredible from both sets of fans, national team and from Chelsea.
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“I can’t fault anyone for their support for me.
“That’s been really pivotal for me coming back because I know people get frustrated when I’m injured and not able to be out there.
“It’s frustrating for me, so to hear that reaction when I come on is really special and something I won’t forget.
“I’ve been working really hard and wanting to get back out there on the pitch as much as possible.”
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Kirby’s battle back to fitness follows the forward suffering a knee injury in February during the Blues’ 7-0 Conti Cup semis drubbing of West Ham.
It led to the 66-capped England star being sidelined for the rest of last season and missing this summer’s World Cup in Australia with the Lionesses beaten by Spain in the final in August.
And her return to the international stage followed her long-awaited Chelsea comeback in September.
The playmaker made a second-half substitute apearance during the Blues dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Kirby added: “At the beginning of my injury it was quite tough because you don’t really know when the end of the injury will be.
“I accepted quite early on that I wasn’t going to be part of the World Cup squad, so, not that it made it any easier.
“But I was able to support the girls and kind of feel the same emotions that they were going through.
“Being able to be back with them now just means that all the hard work paid off during the summer.”
Kirby’s return has coincided with young England starlets Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton getting their first senior call-ups.
Man City keeper Keating has shone in goal for her club keeping four clean sheets in five league games whilst Man United midfielder Clinton has impressed on loan for Tottenham.
Kirby said: “I feel like I haven’t been away and obviously I know a lot of the girls from playing against them
“Everyone that’s come in has brought a new fresh face and a new standard.
“It’s been nice to be in training and get to know them a bit more personally.
“I don’t think I need to mould in at all, I’m probably one of the oldest players here now so I think I know what I’m doing.”
Kirby’s comeback has coincided with England returning to winning ways in the Women’s Nations League after a surprise September loss to Holland.
And the team hope to rack up their goal tally against Belgium in the reverse fixture after netting once following seven shots on target.
Kirby said: “The most important thing is getting the three points in these types of games, it’s what we set out to do.
“Things have been quite similar at club (with Chelsea too).
“We’ve been creating a lot of chances but not putting the ball in the back of the net
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“Yes, we want to score more goals, we want to make it more entertaining for everyone coming to watch.
“But first and foremost (it’s about the) three points.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
