Interview'It's a huge game and we want to make our fans happy' - Niamh Fahey's Merseyside derby preview
Niamh Fahey has spoken of the determination within the Liverpool FC Women squad to make their fans happy when they meet Everton Women in Sunday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The Blues claimed a 1-0 result at Anfield earlier in the season, but Matt Beard’s side head to Goodison in high spirits having won three of their last four away games in the Barclays Women's Super League.
After the frustrating Adobe Women's FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Leicester City, the Reds responded in style with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United in the WSL last time out.
Heading into this weekend, Liverpool sit level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United and, with six games remaining this season, they are eager to finish as high as possible in the table.
Liverpoolfc.com caught up with Fahey ahead of the short trip to Goodison – read our derby preview with the Reds captain below.
On the excitement in the camp ahead of the derby…
It's a huge game, the Merseyside derby. We haven't got the better of them in the WSL for a while now so it's a huge game and we are really looking forward to it.
On whether the players share the supporters' desire to beat their neighbours...
One hundred per cent! It's one of those ones that you look for in the calendar to see when it's coming. It's an historic derby as well, the whole city is either red or blue and obviously we want to make sure all the Reds go home happy on Sunday.
On Liverpool's strong recent away form...
We are in good form but I suppose one bit of caution is that in a derby game form does go out of the window and they take on a life of their own. Everton, I'm sure, will be confident going into it because they have had our number in the last couple of games, but we'll be trying to do everything possible to bring back the three points and get a win.
On aiming to finish as high as possible in the final WSL table, with the Reds currently six points behind third-placed Arsenal...
We are up there at the minute so we want to make sure we keep pushing and keep putting pressure on the teams above us. It's important that we get the win and keep getting as high up the table as we can, but obviously we want to win the derby game as well. On its own it's a huge thing for the club so we are going to make sure we win it on Sunday.
On how tough Everton can be to break down…
They are a difficult team to play against. Obviously my Irish teammates Courtney Brosnan and Heather Payne are there and I know how determined and rigid they are when it comes to playing against Liverpool. They are a difficult team and we are expecting a tough game. Again, it's a derby so it's going to be fiery, it's going to be tough and there's not going to be much in the game so we need to make sure we are ready to start, coming out of the blocks quickly.
On how important the away fans could be for the team this weekend…
We have a great group of fans who always make their voices heard. It's sold out as well so even better and we need the Reds to give us that extra edge on Sunday. They always do and they are amazing, and for the derby we are definitely going to need them.
On how she is feeling after regaining her regular spot in the side following injury...
I'm good and just looking now for some wood to touch! I've had a good run so far. I had a tough time with injury but thankfully now I've got a good run, I'm feeling good and confident in my body. When I'm feeling like this I can just go out there and play, I feel freedom, so I've just got make sure I'm doing all the right things off the pitch and helping the team as much as I can when I'm fit and available to play.
On Leanne Kiernan getting back on the scoresheet last weekend...
It's fantastic for Leanne. She's had a difficult time with injuries so for her to get that first goal, she's been building up her minutes all season and has been involved with assists, but I think to get that first goal you could see it was like a weight off her shoulders. She's been a big addition for us to be back with us in the squad, obviously firing on all cylinders and giving us that pace in behind and aggression. It's a big plus to have her back with us and I'm delighted for her as well personally.