Liverpool

11 April 2012

Ruesha's raring to go

Interview with Liverpool Ladies star Ruesha Littlejohn, from Sunday's Bristol Academy programme

In her second season as a Liverpool Ladies player, Ruesha Littlejohn can’t wait to get the new WSL campaign underway.

After a big year for the Glaswegian which saw her move clubs to England, switch her international allegiances and make her international senior debut, Ruesha is excited to reach even more milestones in 2012.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to beginning our league campaign today against Bristol, and testing ourselves week in week out against the other WSL teams.

“I want Liverpool Ladies, and myself, to have a really successful season and give a good account of ourselves. As long as we become more solid defensively and take our chances up front I don’t see why we can’t challenge this season. And I’ll be looking to improve on my goalscoring record as well.”

Having represented Scotland at youth level, Ruesha received her first call up to the Republic of Ireland senior set up joining the squad for the Algarve Cup tournament in March. She made her full debut in Ireland’s 2-1 win against Hungary.

Ruesha said: “I really enjoyed being part of the set up and it was a fantastic experience. I got to train with some really talented players, including some others from the WSL.

“Going forwards I hope to establish a place in the squad as playing with the team will only help to improve my overall game.”

Ruesha is focusing on Liverpool Ladies’ league campaign and wants to get the season off to a flying start this weekend. She said: “To get some early wins would be fantastic. We all want to start the season well, build confidence and climb up the league table.

“Personally, I’d like to score a few goals early on to help the team. Now I’ve got my first season playing in England under my belt, I know more about the style of football and the players, and so I’m hoping to get to get on the scoresheet more often.

Ruesha moved to Liverpool Ladies from current Scottish champions Glasgow City at the start of last season, having played in Scotland all of her life. An early football fan, Ruesha joined her local team, Clydebank Girls, at seven years old and worked up through the ranks.

Yet when she had the chance to move to the WSL, Ruesha had no hesitation in taking it. She said: “The standard of football is definitely higher here than in Scotland. Every game is hard and challenging but it really makes you raise your game.

“Playing with and against such talented players is helping me to improve with every game and that will hopefully benefit the whole team.

“I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the WSL and playing for this team. The girls are all great at Liverpool Ladies and the city itself completely reminds me of Glasgow. I’ve found my home-from-home.”

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