Liverpool striker Leanne Kiernan could make her long-awaited return from injury in this weekend's Women's Super League clash with Manchester City.
Kiernan was an integral part of Liverpool's title-winning squad last term, notching 14 goals to help the Reds end their two-year stay in the Championship. However, she has been unavailable for much of the current campaign, having picked up an ankle injury in Liverpool's opening day victory over reigning WSL champions Chelsea.
However, manager Matt Beard has now confirmed Kiernan has returned to team training and looks set to feature in the matchday squad for Sunday's clash at Prenton Park.
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"It’s great to have Leanne back," Beard said in his pre-match press conference. "She’s such a bubbly character and has an infectious personality.
"What I love about Leanne is her work ethic and she definitely knows where the goal is. Obviously her pace is a threat to any team so it's great to have her back on the training pitch and in and around the girls and hopefully we can get her enough minutes to maybe be available for the Republic of Ireland at the World Cup."
Liverpool's ranks will also be bolstered by the return of captain Niamh Fahey, who has been absent since January with a calf issue, while midfield duo Ceri Holland and Fuka Nagano will both be assessed ahead of the weekend. Defender Megan Campbell and forward Yana Daniels, however, still remain sidelined.
It's been a quick turnaround for Liverpool, who were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Chelsea in the WSL on Wednesday night. The Reds had taken the lead inside two minutes at Kingsmeadow through Emma Koivisto before a Niamh Charles header and late strike from Sam Kerr sealed all three points for Emma Hayes' side.
However, Beard believes his players can take heart from their valiant display in the capital and was pleased with the response to last weekend's chastening 4-0 defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Leicester City.
"As much as we conceded a lot of possession in the second half, I felt the way that we defended and the commitment that we showed we at least deserved a point out of the game," he said.
"We restricted Chelsea to a lot of shots from distance and I was really pleased with the response. I knew we would get that after what happened on Saturday. It was uncharacteristic of us and unacceptable and I knew the players would respond."
Beard will be hoping his side can put in a similarly impressive display when they host City at Prenton Park on Sunday afternoon. Gareth Taylor's side are currently second in the table and are vying with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal for the WSL title and a place in next season's Champions League.
But the Liverpool boss is confident his players can go toe to toe with their visitors, having been narrowly beaten in the reverse fixture last October.
"We’ve done well at home this season," he said. "We’ve won four of the last five at Prenton Park so we’re looking forward to the game.
"The [reverse fixture] was a really close game. It’s another situation where City are fighting for the title and that Champions League spot but we want to keep picking up as many points as we can.
"I’ve said to the players we need to be honest, we need to do the right things and finish the season with strong performances. They’re the ones that are under pressure, not us.
"We’ve put ourselves in a good position. I think we’ve had a relatively good campaign so far. There’s always room for improvement but that’s in any walk of life. We’re pleased with where we are and we’re looking forward to having a say in this title race over the next few weeks."
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