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      Leah Williamson seals new ‘dream’ deal with Arsenal amid speculation over Gunners future of team-mate Vivianne Miedema

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON described her new deal with Arsenal as a ‘dream come true’ after agreeing to extend her career with the WSL giants.The England ace has signed a new contract with the Gunners just seven months after putting pen to paper on her previous agreement.  
      Jonas Eidevall says Leah Williamson is ‘integral’ to Arsenal’s plans for the futureCredit: Getty
      However, the North London club have chosen not to specify the length of the Buckinghamshire-born centre-back’s new deal.
      Williamson, who skippered the Lionesses during Steph Houghton’s absence through injury, has been at Arsenal since the age of nine.
      On her new contract, the 24-year-old said: “I’m as grateful as ever to have the opportunity to do what I do here – at home – and I’m very proud to continue to represent my family playing for Arsenal and to wear the badge.”
      “It was a dream come true the first time that I signed here and the feeling hasn’t changed. 
      Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall, 38, added: “As well as being a key player for us right now, she is also an integral part of our plans for the future
      “She is a player for us to build Arsenal around and show the young women in our academy what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and passion.
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      “I know Leah has a special bond with the fans too – it’s so important for the supporters to identify with the players and they certainly have that in Leah.”
      Williamson, currently out of action with a hamstring injury, rose through Arsenal’s academy ranks making her first-team debut in 2014 as a second-half sub in a league clash with Birmingham.
      The defender has established herself as a lynchpin in the Gunners backline netting 13 goals in 179 appearances.
      And she helped the team win five major domestic trophies including a league title and two FA Cups.
      Williamson’s presence in defence has been sorely missed with Arsenal losing three of their last four games.
      Results include a shock 2-0 away loss to Birmingham who are second from bottom and battling to avoid relegation. 
      Williamson’s new deal will come as a welcome boost to Arsenal with speculation mounting around the future of star forward Vivianne Miedema.
      The current contract for the player who joined the club from Bayern Munich in 2017, is due to expire at the end of this season.
      Miedema, 25, who is one of the WSL’s most prolific goal scorers, is thought to be a summer transfer target for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, according to Telegraph Sport.
      Vivianne Miedema’s contract with Arsenal is due to expire at the end of this termCredit: Getty
      It is claimed the Catalan and French giants are leading the chase for the Netherlands star’s signature alongside clubs in America’s NWSL.
      The striker has scored 67 times in 75 WSL games since her arrival.
      It is thought Miedema has not ruled out the potential to remain with Arsenal. More

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      Carter hails Birmingham’s shock defeat of Arsenal in the WSL as Reading beat Leicester to go sixth

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      DARREN CARTER praised Birmingham for ’emptying the tank’ against Arsenal after they stunned the league leaders at St Andrew’s.The Midlands outfit pulled off the biggest shock this term to beat the Gunners 2-0 and win their first WSL game in 14 MONTHS.
      Veatrikki Sarri scored her first WSL goal of the season during Birmingham’s defeat of ArsenalCredit: PA
      The surprise result saw the leaders concede three points for the first time this season with Jonas Eidevall slamming his team’s performance.
      And it led to Birmingham’s first win since a defeat of Liverpool in October 2019 with Eidevall enduring his first loss.
      After the game, Carter, whose side moved off the foot of the table, said: “That performance epitomises what they are about as a group.
      “I asked them was to empty the tank and they gave us everything. They put in a top performance against a top team.”
      Birmingham got off the mark in the third minute with Libby Smith latching onto a through ball to net from the edge of the area.
      And the hosts doubled their lead close to half-time with Veatriki Sarri’s top corner strike.
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      The second half saw the Gunners attempt to mount a fightback with Kim Little prompting a fine block from Gemma Lawley.
      But their Brum opponents held out to pull off a memorable win with Arsenal missing the chance to extend their lead over Chelsea at the top of the table  
      Eidevall, whose team face Reading next, said: “We were so slow in getting numbers of players into the box.
      “What we were not doing – which we’ve done well so far this season – is anticipating moments and working well together as a team.
      “I saw some players sprinting, some jogging and some walking to get in position. Our players on the ball should have better decision making.”  
      Elsewhere Natasha Dowie helped the Royals go six games unbeaten with a narrow defeat of Leicester.
      The striker who missed a first-half pen sent a lob over Demi Lambourne with the Royals sealing a 1-0 win to go sixth.
      And the result saw the Foxes return to the bottom of the WSL. 
      Natasha Dowie and the Royals are four points behind third-placed TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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      Bedford aims to beef up battle for spots in Leicester’s front line with loan signings of Goodwin and Gregory

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      LYDIA BEDFORD wants to ramp up competition for places in Leicester’s attack following the loan signings of Missy Goodwin and Freya Gregory.The Aston Villa starlets will be part of the squad facing Reading following several cases of Covid-19 within the Midlands side.
      Villa winger Freya Gregory has sealed a temporary move to Leicester in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      The forwards – both 18 – have joined the Foxes until the end of this season with the club battling to avoid relegation and build on their first win in the league in a 2-0 defeat of Birmingham.
      Each has represented England at youth level with forward Goodwin featuring for the Under-19s and Gregory playing for the Under-17s.
      Bedford, 34, said: “The team are still riding the wave of what they felt from that Birmingham game and they’re confident.
      “The addition of these players will raise the competitiveness in the squad and help us maintain momentum going into the next few games.
      “Missy is a really technically talented forward who secures the ball, holds off players and creates space extremely well.
      “She has also got a great delivery when she gets the opportunity to do so.
      “Freya is naturally left-footed, which adds another dimension to us.
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      “She has a wicked delivery of the ball from her left foot, whether that’s set plays or in open play and she’s quick.
      “I’m expecting Freya to have a great impact in forward areas, but also as a wingback as she’s got the ability to play deeper.”
      Kelly Chambers’ Royals, currently eighth, have lost just three of the 15 WSL games they have played against newly-promoted sides.
      And the Foxes, who are second from bottom, have beaten the team in two of their last three clashes including a 2-1 win in an FA Cup duel in 2020.
      However, Reading come into this off the back of five wins in their last six games across all competitions.
      Results include a surprise 1-0 defeat of champions Chelsea with Canada ace Deanne Rose netting against the Blues.
      Bedford added: “Reading are a tough team and four wins and one draw from their last six games speaks for itself.
      “I remember Kelly as a player because I was at Barnet when she was at Reading. She’s had a fantastic career and done a great job there.
      “There’s a real grittiness about her team and how they play and they’re very good at coming back into things when they go behind.”
      Chambers, whose side finished seventh last term, has high hopes for where the Royals could end up in the table this season.
      Leicester are targeting a first win against Reading in the WSLCredit: �MI News & Sport Ltd
      The team are seven points behind third-placed Tottenham with the race for a Champions League spot currently wide open.
      Chambers said: “We’ll be taking every game as it comes and really try to pick up the results where we want to.
      “We are beginning to see glimpses of the team coming together. We have to continue that now.
      “If we do that, I believe the sky is the limit for where we want and can finish in the league.” More

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      Brighton boss Powell hopes for more protection of women’s clubs after Coventry United liquidation scare

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      HOPE POWELL wants better protection for sides in the Women’s Championship following Coventry United surviving liquidation. The Brighton chief was reflecting on a last-minute deal that saw the second-tier side rescued from collapse after a takeover by energy business owner Lewis Taylor.
      Hope Powell says Coventry United’s situation is an example of how vulnerable the women’s game can beCredit: Alamy
      However, the club, who are bottom of the Championship, have been hit with a 10-point deduction for breaking the division’s competition rules.
      Before the points penalty was announced, Powell, 55, said: “It’s (Coventry’s situation) has really highlighted how vulnerable at times the women’s game still is.
      “While it has shifted and moved so far very quickly – some players are professional, full-time athletes now and on very decent contracts, there is still a wide gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’.
      “We really have to be mindful of the fact that this is still happening (in the women’s game) and can still happen and we need to ensure that those clubs are protected.
      “The situation that arose at Coventry is something that we don’t want to happen again.
      “If there is an organisation like the PFA (that can help) that would be fantastic.
      “We’re talking about people’s lives here. We have to try and protect the clubs and protect the players in the clubs as best we can.”
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      Sky Sports reports Taylor intends to appeal against Coventry’s points deduction once he completes a takeover of the West Midlands side which is expected to be finalised next week.
      When asked for her thoughts on improving the sustainability of clubs in the women’s game, Powell talked of her experience with Brighton and their alignment with Albion’s men’s team.
      Powell added: “If I look at Brighton the reason why we’ve done so well is that we’re fully embraced into the men’s club, and we are financed and supported.
      “It’s very difficult to be self-sufficient and rely on external funding but I know Durham have done it. Yeovil did it for years, but that wasn’t sustainable.”
      Albion are set to host Manchester City in their first match of the year in one of just three top tier clashes going ahead on Sunday.
      Covid-19 has caused havoc with four fixtures in the WSL and the Championship with Chelsea’s, West Ham’s, Everton’s and Durham Women’s games called off.
      Brighton hope to stop sixth-placed Man City moving above them in the tableCredit: Getty
      The Seagulls, who are currently fifth and two points ahead of Man City, are in the race for a top-three finish this term.
      Their last two league encounters between the sides resulted in a scoreless draw in September 2020 followed by a hefty 7-1 away win for City last January.
      Powell says her players have no intention of being pushovers for their visitors.
      The Brighton boss added: “It will be a tough game whoever they put out.
      “But we’re not going to roll over and make it easy because they are Man City. We want to win the game.” More

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      England ace Hemp extends Manchester City stay with a new deal confirmed before Brighton clash

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      LAUREN HEMP has given Manchester City a boost by agreeing to a two-year contract extension with the club.The new deal will see the England starlet, 21, remain with the Academy Stadium giants until the summer of 2024.
      Gareth Taylor says Lauren Hemp is one of England’s brightest young talentsCredit: Getty
      It comes seven months on from the forward being named the PFA’s Young Player of the Year after a successful end to a season initially hampered by a hamstring injury.
      Hemp, whose side face Brighton next, said: “I’m surrounded by some of the best players and coaching staff in the world and having them around me will only help to develop me even further over the coming years.
      “It’s a club where we’re constantly competing for trophies and success.
      “I’ve already enjoyed some amazing moments here since joining three-and-a-half years ago, and I know that there is much more to come from this team.”
      Hemp, who made the move north from Bristol in 2018, has netted 28 goals in 81 appearances for City across all competitions.
      Her tally includes six goals and eight assists in 15 top-flight games for the club last term.
      And they took the battle for last season’s title to the wire finishing two points behind champions Chelsea.
      The Man City star’s efforts saw her pick up a third successive PFA player award.
      It also led to her being chosen to represent Team GB at the women’s football tournament at the Tokyo Olympics.
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      This season Hemp has missed just one game for Gareth Taylor’s side in contrast to last term which saw her sidelined with hamstring problems from September to December.
      And Taylor believes there is more to come from the player who currently has 12 senior England caps.
      The Academy Stadium boss said: “Lauren is one of the game’s brightest young talents, is an absolute pleasure to work with and has a very exciting future ahead of her.
      “We’re only just scratching the surface with her at 21 years old.
      “That’s an incredible thought given what she has achieved so far in her short career, but she’s also still learning from everyone here.
      “We can’t wait to see what the next couple of years hold for us as a team and her as a player.”
      Hemp and City are set to play Brighton in their first game of the yearCredit: Getty More

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      Coventry United Ladies rescued from collapse following energy firm owner’s late deal with club

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      COVENTRY UNITED have been saved from folding after a late agreement was arranged to prevent the club’s collapse.The Women’s Championship side were rescued from liquidation on Tuesday following the intervention of businessman Lewis Taylor.
      Coventry United have been saved from voluntary liquidation following a late deal agreed with businessman Lewis TaylorCredit: Getty
      Accountancy firm BK Plus were overseeing the voluntary liquidation of the club following an announcement made on its official website two days before Christmas.
      According to reports, the procedure was due to be completed on January 4, but the accountants were instructed to halt proceedings early on Tuesday evening.
      And BBC Sport reports a deal with Taylor, the managing director of utility company Energy Angel, was struck to protect Coventry’s future.
      Taylor told the BBC: “The existing shareholders didn’t liquidate – that was the deadline we all needed to reach agreement on,” he added.
      “Everyone in the virtual room wanted to save the club so, by about one minute to five – and five o’clock was the point where the club would’ve been put into liquidation – we all had the thumbs up.”
      “I always wanted to get involved and it made absolute sense to make something work.
      “Solicitors have now got to draw up contracts between the two parties so it’s on us now to come up with a sales contract as quickly as possible.
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      “And then on day one, we can get cash to the players and anyone else we owe money to.”
      Taylor, who founded Energy Angels in 2006, is reported to have invested around £200,000 to £250,000 in the West Midlands outfit.
      And a Crowdfunder set up by fundraiser and Coventry resident Michael Mogan MBE has raised more than £14,000 for the Women’s Championship side
      It is reported thirty Coventry United players and staff were due to have their contracts with the club ended.
      This week Taylor, whose company sponsors third-tier team Wolves Women, is reported to have had upbeat talks with team boss Jay Bradford and her players.
      And it is thought the energy firm owner is aiming to complete a takeover within a week.
      Taylor told Sky Sports: “We will shore the situation up very quickly and get the players paid for a start.”
      Coventry were due to play Bristol in the Women’s Championship on Sunday More

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      Treble-winning Blues chief says OBE for Chelsea’s successes on the pitch came as a ‘huge shock’

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      Emma Hayes described her journey with Chelsea as an ‘unbelievable ride’ after being awarded an OBE for her services to football.The Kingsmeadow boss was among a number of sports figures included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
      Emma Hayes’ OBE comes following Chelsea winning a domestic treble in 2021Credit: PA
      The gong for the Blues manager comes five years on from her being made an MBE.
      And it caps a trophy-winning year for Hayes whose team sealed a domestic treble in December after their 3-0 triumph over Arsenal in the delayed Women’s FA Cup final.
      The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “It was a huge shock to hear I had been awarded an OBE.
      “It’s been an unbelievable ride so far, transforming from an amateur outfit to one of the top five clubs in Europe and I hope we’ve helped to pave the way for future generations to come.
      “I couldn’t have done it without the support, and I will be forever grateful to each and every one of them.
      “It’s an unbelievable honour for me and my family and a privilege I take very seriously.
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      “I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me across my career.
      “I am fortunate and extremely lucky to have represented a fantastic football club and an amazing group of people over these past ten years.”
      Hayes’ OBE came in a year that saw Chelsea claim their fourth WSL crown and a second Conti Cup in addition to their third FA Cup.
      And the club reached their first-ever Champions League final before being beaten by 4-0 Catalan giants Barcelona.
      The Blues also went on a 33-game unbeaten run in the WSL breaking the previous record set by Manchester City in 2017 of 32 matches without a loss.
      Their run, which was ended by a home loss to Brighton, saw Hayes named as Barclays WSL Manager of the Season in May.
      Former Lionesses captain Sheila Parker was honoured for her services to footballCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      And this came two months before the Camden-born coach, who took charge of Chelsea in 2012, signed a new deal to extend her reign.
      Other football figures honoured include Sheila Parker who skippered England Women’s team in their official match in 1972.
      The former Preston centre-back, 74, who led the team to a 3-2 win against Scotland that year, has been made an MBE for her services to football and charities.
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      in Soccer

      Jamaica ace Shaw relishes tough Man City test and going the ‘extra mile’ for young footballers in the Caribbean

      by

      KHADIJA SHAW hopes her rise to the top of the game will inspire young players in the Caribbean to chase their football dreams.The Jamaica star – who turns 25 in January – has been reflecting on her journey in the sport including her high-profile summer switch to Manchester City.
      Khadija Shaw reckons being patient with efforts on the pitch will help her progress at Manchester CityCredit: Rex
      The striker grabbed headlines after sealing a June transfer to the Academy Stadium on a three-year deal after two seasons with French side Bordeaux.
      And the forward, 24, whose team play Brighton in their first game of 2022, is proud to have young footballers in her country looking up to her and Man City’s Prem star Raheem Sterling.
      Shaw, who goes by the nickname Bunny, told Fifa.com: “I was once in their shoes, so I know what it feels like looking up to someone like, for example, Raheem Sterling. It means a lot to me, and it helps me also.
      “Some days when I don’t feel like I can give or go that extra mile, I just think about all the other players back home.
      “It helps me get out of bed sometimes in the morning to go out and work hard.”
      Shaw’s Man City side experienced a tough run in the first part of this term losing four of their first nine games.
      The club, who endured their worst ever start to a WSL season, have been battling with injury issues with 10 players out of action back in September.
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      And Shaw contended with a foot problem that saw her miss City’s wins against Durham in the Conti Cup and Leicester in the league in November.
      However, an upturn in form has seen the team win their last two top tier games before Covid cases led to their final match of the year against Reading being postponed.
      Before then Shaw has enjoyed some decent performances on the pitch, notching up two goals and one assist in seven WSL appearances.
      And the Jamaica forward, who netted 22 times in 20 games for Bordeaux last term, relishes testing her skills in a squad that includes 20 senior internationals.
      The City ace added: “For me to be here at Manchester City, that alone speaks for itself. I’m enjoying it and I’m just going to continue to improve.
      “I’m adjusting to new coaching, new playing, the club, the players.
      “One of the biggest things for me is to be patient with myself, trust my instincts and what I’m good at and just continue to focus on that.
      Man City are looking to climb up the WSL table following the team’s second-place finish last seasonCredit: Getty
      “In terms of the team, it’s an incredible group of players that push you day-in and day-out, so I definitely think I’m getting tested throughout training.”
      Shaw and her Jamaica team made history when they became the first-ever Caribbean country to win a place in a Women’s World Cup tournament.
      And their squad, currently ranked the 51st best side in the world, was the youngest to compete in the tournament in France in 2019.
      While three defeats saw the Reggae Girlz crash out in the group stage that year, Shaw is confident of the team improving as they bid to qualify for the 2023 contest.
      And the side, who play Bermuda in February in the first of four qualifiers for the 2022 Concacaf Women’s Championship, have won and drawn two of their last three international friendlies.
      Shaw and her Jamaica team-mates are aiming to qualify for the 2022 Concacaf Championship and the 2023 World CupCredit: Getty
      Shaw said: “After the World Cup we sat down and spoke with the (Jamaica Football) federation and gave our points about what we took from the experience.
      “It’s definitely improving, and I know it takes time. As a team, we know that. It’s just a matter of seeing the progress, as patient as we are as well.
      “We’re all young. With the experience and having camps and the building of the chemistry within the team, we can definitely continue to improve.”
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