Liverpool captain makes top four 'benchmark' vow after Manchester United win

Liverpool captain Niamh Fahey says this season must be the "benchmark" for the Reds as they look to win a place back amongst Europe's elite.

It's been a hugely successful campaign for Matt Beard's side, who are currently fourth in the Women's Super League (WSL) table with just one game left to play. The last week, in particular, has shown how much the Reds have improved from last term, with back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Manchester United moving them onto 38 points for the season.

But Fahey admits this must be just the beginning for Liverpool if they hope to return to competing for the women's game's top honours. "My time here it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster but it’s fantastic to see the strides we’ve made this season in particular," she tells the ECHO. "We’re pushing now for that fourth spot so hopefully we can finish the season strongly."

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Fahey joined Liverpool from Bordeaux in 2018, leading the Reds to the FA Women's Championship title in 2022. With Beard's side now in their second season back in the top flight, the Republic of Ireland international believes the club's evolution behind the scenes has stood them in good stead for success on the pitch.

"There’s been a rebuild process at the club probably over the last four years in particular," she says. "A lot of investment has come into the women’s side. We’re now at the AXA Melwood Training Centre, the recruitment policy has changed.

"There have been a whole raft of changes with international players coming in and changes to the backroom staff as well. The women’s side of things has grown a lot and