Manchester City Ladies' talisman, Toni Duggan, has publicly declared her excitement ahead of the new FA WSL campaign - as the Citizens prepare for their first pre-season friendly, against Swedish champions Rosengard later this afternoon.

Duggan, who was ruled out for the latter stages of last year's fixtures with an eight-week ankle injury, returned to goal-scoring form with a few impressive displays in reserve team fixtures as she built up fitness once more.

Citizens impressive last term, aiming to improve this year

Nick Cushing's side, who finished in a very respectable second last term, qualified for the Champions League and will aim to improve after a successful campaign in 2015.

Duggan told the club's official website about her excitement ahead of Sunday's encounter, saying that she feels as though she's had a "good pre-season" and as a result, is "looking forward to going out there with the team, and pulling on the shirt again."

Champions League set to be a tough test for City's Ladies

Discussing City's opponents, she said that she loves "playing against the best teams", and Rosengard are "no different" in comparison to tough sides she'd faced.  

Duggan's 2015 season was ended early due to injury, but she still had a terrific campaign. | Photo: Sky Sports
Duggan's 2015 season was ended early due to injury, but she still had a terrific campaign. | Photo: Sky Sports

"I've played in the Champions League before with Everton, I know playing this type of opposition can be very tough - but I believe we have the ability to compete with them."

New acquisitions add more optimism for club's future

Duggan also spoke about the club's new signings - goalkeeper Marie Hourihan, as well as attacking duo Jane Ross and Kosovare Asllani, all of which have "come in and settled well", according to the 24-year-old.

"I'm excited to form new partnerships, especially with Jane and Kosse. It's been good out on the training pitch and we're all looking forward to our first test."

She also spoke about the benefit of no international tournaments on the side as a distraction from club football, as the players are able to "focus solely on the domestic side" of proceedings following a successful World Cup campaign with the Three Lions last summer.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Mosope Ominiyi
Writer and editor - European football analyst, youth enthusiast. Email: [email protected]