Manchester City’s Keira Walsh has signed her first professional contract, committing her immediate future to Nick Cushing’s team who play their football in the top tier of the women’s game in England.
Walsh made her City debut in July 2014 when she came off the bench against Notts County, and has now put pen to paper on a deal that runs until the end of the 2017 season.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Walsh.
“I feel really happy. It’s a privilege to be signing a contract at a club with such ambitious projects for the women’s team.
“I never thought I’d be playing for City – I’ve supported them since I was young. It’s absolutely amazing to be playing for them.
“It was definitely an easy decision and I’m going to carry on working hard.”
The midfielder is just 18 years old but played an important role in City’s successful Continental Cup campaign last year and has already featured for England at youth level.
So far this season the youngster has been hampered by injury and has not featured for Cushing since the end of March when City were held to a goalless draw by Birmingham City. But Walsh is determined to make a return straight back in to the starting XI following her recovery.
“In terms of targets for this season, I want to get back fit and in the starting 11 as soon as I can,” she explained.
“As a team, we want to get some points on the board in the league because we could be challenging for the top two.”
Manager Cushing clearly believes in the teenager’s ability and told City’s official site: “Keira is a fantastic young talent with huge potential. She has shown an excellent attitude since she came to the club last season and understands the importance of hard work to develop her game.
“We are delighted to offer Keira her first contract and hope she continues to work hard to improve and develop her game for her.”
