Ellie Stewart excited by Everton's rebuilding job

It's a case of home sweet home for Ellie Stewart, who has returned to childhood club Everton after two years away at Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

And though the Toffees dropped down to FA WSL 2 in the teenager’s absence, she insists the side is brimming with enough quality to go straight back up.

Andy Spence’s side found the going tough in FA WSL 1 last year, failing to win a game even though they finished the season as FA Women's Cup runners-up.

Liverpool finished their campaign at the other end of the spectrum after securing the title on a dramatic last day.

But Stewart, who has represented England at U17s, U19s and U23s level, jumped at the chance to get involved with the rebuilding job at Everton.

“I just wanted game time and the experience to play at a high standard,” said the 18-year-old.

“It’s really nice to be back here. At the end of my time with Liverpool I wasn’t getting on the pitch as much as I’d have liked.

“But now I’m really excited about the new season and to be getting some games.”

Stewart is not the only player who has come across from the red half of the city as the versatile Megan Alexander joins her at Everton, while former Manchester City duo Danielle Lea and Danielle Young have also signed up.

And according to Stewart only promotion will do for Everton, who have been further boosted by the news of a new two-year deal for defender Danielle Turner.

“I’m really good friends with Meg. She’s a very nice girl and very hard-working in training,” said Stewart.

“She can bring a lot to the team, she’s a brilliant team member and has a great work ethic. As soon as the whistle blows you know you’re going to get 100 per cent from her.

“Danielle Lea’s been in the England set-up before so she’s got experience internationally.

“She’s also really hard-working, she was out last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury so she just wants to get game time as well.

“Danielle Young is so quick, you can’t get the ball off her. She’s got very good feet and is very attacking. She’s going to score a lot of goals for us hopefully.

“We’re all looking to get straight up within a year so we’re going to work hard and hopefully get it done.”

Everton begin their 2015 campaign with a trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday 18 March.

Stewart captained England U19s in their opening match of the year, a 4-0 defeat by Norway.

Mo Marley's side will face Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland in April to compete for a place in the European Championship Finals, which will be staged in Israel in July.