Ready

Leanne Kiernan is determined to make this Liverpool season count

Leanne Kiernan is set for the upcoming Women’s Super League season as the Reds welcome local rival Everton to Anfield on Sunday. “I'm fit, healthy. I'm ready,” she said speaking to the Celt ahead of the match.

The 26-year-old forward from Bailieborough, who recently renewed her contract with Liverpool after joining in 2021, is relishing the chance to play in front of a packed stadium. “We’re excited to play at Anfield in front of all the fans, we’re excited to show our new style of play, our new coaching style.” Without giving too much away, she promises people can expect a different style than what they would be used to watching Liverpool women.

Leanne’s family will be there to cheer her on. “They rarely miss a match, I won’t lie.” Something that always gives her reassurance: “My mum rocks in and pulls up to the fence and makes sure I know she’s there. And it just settles me a bit,” Leanne explained. That support has been constant throughout her career. “I wouldn’t be where I am without my parents, that’s for sure.”

After injury setbacks in recent years, Leanne is determined to make this season count: “It’s really about living in the moment right now. And enjoying what I have. And I’m all healthy and fit. I have my goals for the season…”

Liverpool starts under new management. Head coach Gareth Taylor only has been with the team for four weeks and the squad is still adapting to a fresh tactical approach. Leanne is confident the changes will bring out the best in her. “It’s an exciting time with Gareth coming in and I’m really confident that [he] will get the best out of me. It’s just about learning different ways of playing the game and how creative we can be and what we can do on the ball, so I feel like the fans should be very excited to see our new style of football this season.”

Derbies against Everton have always carried extra significance, and Sunday promises to be no different. For Leanne, it is a chance to contribute to Liverpool’s push for the top end of the table which she firmly believes is a realistic target.

“We have really a lot of potential in this team. I’d like as a team to compete for a trophy this year,” she said. “Individually, score goals. That’s my job.”

More about her life in Liverpool and the importance of family in next weeks Celt.