Liverpool striker Leanne Kiernan made her long-awaited return from injury in the Reds' 3-3 draw with Aston Villa in the Women's Super League.
The hosts took the lead just eight minutes into Sunday's contest at Villa Park through former Liverpool youth player Kirsty Hanson before goals from Katie Stengel and Natasha Dowie helped Matt Beard's side overturn the deficit. The prolific Rachel Daly restored parity for Villa on the stroke of half time, while second half goals from Stengel and Hanson ensured the spoils were shared in the West Midlands.
But perhaps the most memorable moment of the day came in the 58th-minute when Kiernan, who has been sidelined since picking up an ankle injury in Liverpool's opening day victory over Chelsea in September, was introduced in place of Natasha Dowie.
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Kiernan's road to recovery hasn't been a straightforward one. After undergoing surgery in the autumn, the Republic of Ireland international has suffered a number of setbacks that have prevented her from contributing to the Reds' crusade for Women's Super League survival.
The 24-year-old was a standout performer for Liverpool last term, scoring 14 goals to help fire Matt Beard's side back to the top flight. Her long-awaited return is a huge boost for both club and country, with the Republic of Ireland set to travel to Australia and New Zealand to compete in the Women's World Cup this summer.
Taking to social media to express her delight at returning to action, Kiernan wrote: "What a feeling to be back on the grass. Big shout out to @chris.underwood.180 for putting up with me for the last 8 months… I appreciate you.
"Thank you to the staff, players and fans for making my journey a little easier everyday. Now we’re back.."
Kiernan was not the only Liverpool player to make a welcome return against Aston Villa. Club captain and fellow Republic of Ireland international Niamh Fahey also featured in the starting XI for the first time since January, with both players likely to feature in the Reds' final game of the season against title hopefuls Manchester United at Prenton Park next weekend.
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