England's Fran Kirby backs Reading for FA WSL 2 title push

After a stellar run of form saw Reading make a late charge at the FA WSL 2 title last season, Fran Kirby is confident her side are ready to claim the crown this year.

The Royals finished their campaign with five consecutive victories, in which they scored a remarkable 24 goals, to push eventual champions Sunderland and runners-up Doncaster Rovers Belles right to the wire.

Kirby herself enjoyed a spectacular season, scoring 29 times in all competitions to be named FA WSL 2 Players’ Player of the Year – but the 21-year-old is hungry for more.

And with a settled squad raring to go ahead of their second season, despite the departure of manager Jayne Ludlow to Wales, the forward insists the Royals will be a force to be reckoned with this year.

Kirby said: “We can only hope for better things next season and I’m sure we will be there up at the top.

“Even last season, if we had not got off to such a bad start then we definitely would have been in contention for the title.

“We have got a really strong core of players, especially with someone like Bonnie Horwood, who was fantastic for us after coming in part way through the year.

“Our aim is to win the title and carry on improving as a team, and if we keep the same squad we will definitely be up for promotion next season.

“There won’t be any massive [personnel] changes for us but you are always looking to strengthen so we still need to recruit a few players that are able to improve the team.

“It makes a massive difference if the players want to play for us rather than us going out to get them and I’m sure there are a few people who will want to come.”

Reading travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday for their first competitive match of the season, an FA Women's Cup Third Round tie. 

They begin their League campaign with a trip to Yeovil Town on Thursday 19 March.

Kirby translated her success with the Royals onto the international stage as she scored on her England debut in a 4-0 win over Sweden in August, before appearing in matches against Wales and Germany.

And although Kirby is not taking a place in England’s 2015 World Cup squad for granted, she admits another stellar season for Reading will boost her chances of making it on the plane to Canada.

Next up for England is the visit of USA to MK Dons on Friday 13 February. 

Tickets are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, and are available on the MK Dons website.

Kirby added: “I’m really enjoying playing and going away with the England team and now it’s a case of training hard to make sure that I can get into that squad for Canada.

“My international debut was incredible and I love playing with some great players as it’s about proving you are good enough to play at the highest level.

“Anything can happen but it will come down to form and that gives you the motivation to make sure you are playing well.

“But whatever happens, I know it’s going to be a good season.”