Everton preparing for 'battle' in FA Cup clash after 'turbulent' season

With less than three minutes on the clock at Anfield, Everton found themselves in trouble.

Wing-back Lucy Hope had gone down after a tussle with Liverpool's Missy Bo Kearns and it quickly became clear the Scot could no longer continue. With no natural replacement on the bench, manager Brian Sorensen turned to Australia international Clare Wheeler.

Typically deployed as a midfielder, Wheeler was tasked with slotting in to an unfamiliar position as Everton sought to win their first Women's Super League (WSL) game of the season. It may sound like a daunting prospect but Wheeler relished the challenge, turning in a Player of the Match display as the Blues battled to victory over their arch-rivals.

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In many ways, that mid-October afternoon typified the 25-year-old's Everton career to date; not without its challenges but ultimately a huge success. "It's been a great year," Wheeler tells the ECHO, reflecting on her 2023. "There have been some games where we should have taken the three points but there's also been some really good performances.

"Before I came in, I remember watching the WSL from afar and Everton were near the relegation zone whereas now we're pushing up the table. This year, we're a little bit off where we'd like to be but there's still time to get those points and make it a really positive season."

Everton are currently seventh in the WSL, having picked up some crucial away wins against Aston Villa and West Ham United in the build-up to the league's winter break. Wheeler, who has continued playing at wing-back in Hope's absence, has been key to the Blues' upturn