Devlin: Positive Energy Around The Camp

- LCFC Women visit Reading for their first WSL fixture of 2022 on Sunday
- Charlie Devlin spoke ahead of the 2pm kick-off at Select Car Leasing Stadium
- The midfielder praised the positive atmosphere created within the squad
- She also discussed the impact the new manager has had on the group 

Although preparations have been disrupted for the 2pm kick-off, which signals the resumption of the Foxes’ 2021/22 Barclays FA Women’s Super League campaign, there are plenty of positives moving into the second half of the season.

The players were naturally boosted by putting three points on the board in the final fixture before the Christmas break, overcoming Birmingham City 2-0 to leapfrog the Midlands side in the top-flight standings.

That result served to tighten the close-knit team spirit at Belvoir Drive and continue to create an atmosphere where they can thrive, having a positive impact on team morale, according to Devlin.

She commented: “If there’s a good team environment and good energy around, it will keep you in a positive mindset to be the best player and person you can be. Being a good person on and off the pitch only encourages everyone to have that same energy.

“If you train well, you play well, and that relates to everyone, especially after the win against Birmingham City. Everyone was buzzing. It couldn’t have been a better Christmas present, as we’ve been unlucky with some results this season.

“I feel like this is the start of our WSL season; the only way is up and it’s really exciting. We’ll have a lot of confidence as it was a well-deserved three points. Everyone prepared and played well, from the coaching staff to the starting XI.

“It’s given us the indication that we’re capable of playing in this league and hopefully we can keep progressing.”

A month on from Lydia Bedford's arrival, Devlin, who previously represented the England Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-21s national teams, also offered an insight into how LCFC Women’s new manager works and the freshness she has provided within the squad.

“Lydia was England’s assistant manager when I was involved in the youth set-up,” the 23-year-old explained. “So, I know her quite well. She has a good understanding of the game; she’s always positive and encouraging us to learn and become better players. She’s exactly the sort of person we need.

“It would be lovely to be called up for the seniors. However, my priorities now involve getting as many minutes as possible and getting back in the starting line-up at Leicester. It would be amazing to get back into the England set-up, but my focus is on supporting Leicester and avoiding relegation.”

The former Arsenal youngster signed a new contract to extend her stay at LCFC Women until 2023 last summer, but has been frustrated by injury for a large part of the current campaign, making five substitute appearances in the WSL this term.

She is hoping to put all that behind her to assist City's fight to climb the table further in the coming weeks and months.

The ex-Manchester United attacker added: “I was very pleased with myself last season; we won the Championship, and Leicester gave me an opportunity that not many other clubs have previously given me. My goal is to play in the WSL and become an established WSL player.

“Gaining promotion started the journey and I want to continue that momentum. I just want to get as many goals and assists as possible. I also try to be the best team-mate I can possibly be, alongside giving nothing but 100 per cent every time I step onto the pitch.

“I need to be headstrong, especially with the injury I had earlier this year. Also, it’s always important to believe in your ability and the abilities of your team-mates and remaining positive is key.”

All times GMT.