Duggan Hopes For Final Start

Everton Ladies youngster Toni Duggan hopes her recent form will be enough to earn her a place in the starting XI in Thursday's Women's Premier League Cup final.

With just three days to go until the Blues aim to claim their first piece of silverware of the 2009/10 campaign, striker Duggan is hoping her recent goal-scoring tally will help in her quest to be involved the game from the whistle.  

And if she does, it will be her first taste of full cup final action, having come on as a late substitute when the Blues last lifted the trophy in 2008. 

"It was amazing, all the girls were delighted with a bit of silverware for the Club," Duggan told evertonTV. "It hadn't been won in a long time so it was a happy moment. But I don't think it feels the same when you come on from the bench, so I'll be quite happy if I start. It will be a better feeling."

Liverpool-born Duggan joined Everton at just 11 years old, coming up through the Centre of Excellence to the first team. She has also represented England right through from Under-15 to Under-20 level. 

And the 18-year-old, who scored a hat-trick in Everton's 7-0 win over Portsmouth in the FA Women's Cup on Sunday, says the Blues cannot underestimate their opposition ahead of the game.

"It will be a tough game against Leeds, but it will be a good one and we're looking forward to it," Duggan continued. 

"I think its going to be important to get friends and family there and do well in front of the crowd so I'm sure it will be a good turn out.

"This season I was aiming to score a couple more goals than last season and I think I've done that. It's set us up nicely for Thursday and our defence is full of confidence now leading to the final. I think we're set as a team so we're happy.

"There's a good team bond and I think it shows on the pitch. I think we've just got to keep building that."

For more information on tickets for Thursday's FA Women's Premier League Cup final, click here.