WATCH: Everton Women's New Captain Reveals 'Overwhelming Pride'

Lucy Graham says she is "overwhelmed with pride" after being named Everton’s new team captain.

As part of a leadership restructure, manager Willie Kirk has appointed summer signing Graham as Everton’s on-field skipper, with Academy graduate Dan Turner continuing her role as Club captain.

Manager Kirk said Graham’s strong communication skills on the pitch and Turner’s status as an “immaculate” ambassador for Everton were the key factors behind his decision.

Scotland international Graham, who joined Everton from WSL rivals Bristol City, is set to lead out the team for the first time as the Toffees kick off their campaign at Birmingham City on Sunday (2pm).

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“Being named as team captain came as a shock,” Graham told evertontv.

“I’m overwhelmed with pride, both for myself and my family.

“To be 22 years of age and captaining team like Everton is a real responsibility, but I think with that responsibility comes challenges.

“To grow as a person and as a player you need to accept challenges and put yourself out of your comfort zone. I’m excited about this role and I want to help the team go from strength to strength.

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01:39 Fri 06 Sep 2019

WATCH: KIRK EXPLAINS CAPTAINCY DECISION

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“I’m really looking forward to working with Dan this season. She has great qualities on the pitch and off the pitch.

“When I came in, we both clicked automatically. I think that’s because we’re both respectable and mature people.”

Graham first linked up with Everton manager Kirk at Scottish side when the pair were at Scottish side Hibernian.

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She is confident exciting times lie ahead for Everton under his stewardship.

“You can see from the some of the results at the back end of last season, he [Willie Kirk] managed to come in and turn it around,” she said.

“It’s important that he’s brought in his own players and he gets to start this season afresh, as well. I think it’s going to be a very positive season for us.”

Energetic midfielder Graham netted 12 times in all competitions for Bristol City last season as the Robins finished sixth in her debut campaign in the Women’s Super League.

The Scot says she eager to sustain her impressive goalscoring form - and prove her worth as a creative force.

“I want to maintain the goals that I had from last season, but I’d also like to add a few assists in there as well," she added.

“We’ve got great quality throughout the squad, so if I can help other people flourish and get some goals then that would be even better.”

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00:41 Fri 06 Sep 2019

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