Sydney FC midfielder Sarah Hunter says the form of American import Madison Haley will galvanise aspiring Matildas forward Remy Siemsen to push herself to a higher level.
Haley has been the standout performer for Sydney this season, registering three goals in as many A-League Women appearances.
The daughter of five-time Superbowl winner Charles Haley has been so good that Siemsen has had to contend with cameos from the bench since returning from a spell with Swedish side AIK.
Previously the side's attacking fulcrum, Siemsen is likely to have make do with impact sub appearances again on Saturday when Ante Juric's Sky Blues take on Western Sydney.
"Ante said that Maddie was here first so she gets first shot," Hunter said.
"Remy's not taking it personally, that's just football. If someone is performing it's hard to break in and we can't take her (Haley) off.
"I think it's good for Remy to have a bit of competition and that's pushed with Remy coming off the bench and scoring in almost all of our games.
"I think it's good to have that competition and Maddie's brought a different American style to our team."
The demotion to the bench will undoubtedly impact Siemsen's ability to crack into Tony Gustavsson's World Cup squad next year.
Siemsen has won four caps under the Swede and Hunter is confident she can work her way into the reckoning.
The midfielder has been part of Young Matildas set-ups over the last two years.
"I think it's hard to know (how close you are), but obviously being around Matildas in our our own team, Cortnee (Vine) and Jada (Whyman), and Remy, (you know) it's not far off," Hunter said.
"For a lot of the young girls, I think we can sort of see how close it is.
"And I think that's really good motivation for myself and all the young girls pushing for a spot."
