Libby Bance wants to use the faith Hope Powell has shown in her to kick on this coming campaign.
The academy graduate was a regular in the first-team squad last season, having made her WSL debut in November 2020.
She believes she has a better idea of what is required to flourish in that environment and is also working to improve the mental side of her game.
“I need to have more confidence in myself,” Libby said. “Hope has seen something in me to give me time on the pitch so I have to let that make me more confident.
“I have got to make my best attributes become standout qualities, like every player. I need to work on other areas of my game in training.
“Hope has been really good. She’s a massive figure in women’s football and it’s great to play under her. She gives me lots of advice and lets me play without pressure, so I can be me and be free to make mistakes in games. I am still learning so that’s going to happen.
“She knows I put a lot of pressure on myself, especially with the quality of the players here - I am surrounded by internationals.”
The 18-year-old is delighted to be getting so much first team exposure at her age.
“I was fortunate to get my opportunity to train with the first team when I was really young and that was an amazing exposure.
“What has really helped me is the fact that Hope and [coach] Amy [Merricks] are willing to use the Cup competitions to give young players a chance, a lot of clubs wouldn’t do that.
“I am proud for getting this far because it hasn’t always been easy but I want to take the next step forward now.”