Willie Kirk is hopeful new signing Hayley Raso will be ready to make her Everton Women's debut when the Blues host Chelsea in an FA Cup quarter-final at Walton Hall Park on Sunday 15 March (2pm).
The electric forward completed her move to Everton from Brisbane Roar during the January transfer window but has been forced to wait to make her Toffees bow after suffering a broken nose.
Raso is currently on international duty with Australia, with the Matildas facing Vietnam in an Olympic qualifying double-header. Provided she comes through those matches unscathed, the 25-year-old could be in line to feature when Everton take on WSL leaders Chelsea in the last-eight cup clash next weekend.
Blues boss Kirk outlined the range of qualities Raso will offer and believes the addition of a proven elite talent will have an inspirational effect on her new Everton teammates.
“We’re certainly hoping Hayley will be in the squad [for the Chelsea game],” Kirk told evertonfc.com.
“She’ll hopefully feature in Australia’s matches over this international break having recovered from her nose operation.
“Then, if she gets here injury-free, she will be included in the squad for the match.
“She provides pace, directness, aggression and goals.
“It will be exciting to finally get her across and working with us. It’s another lift for us.
“She has got high standards and it will just raise the intensity and the expectations around the group to even greater levels.”
This video is for Season Ticket Holders, Official Members and Hospitality Members
If you already have an Official Membership or 22/23 Season Ticket, just login to watch the video.
If you are interested in an Official membership, you can find out how to buy one here.
Also check out our streaming FAQs.
This content or section of the site is available for free to Digital Members
To view this content you need to be a Season Ticket Holder, Hospitality Member or Official Member.
As well as access to live pre-season matches, Official Members receive a range of other benefits, including exclusive content and welcome pack.
MORE INFO - BUY A MEMBERSHIP - STREAMING FAQs
England midfielder Izzy Christiansen was a further high-quality Everton acquisition during the winter transfer window – the 28-year-old joining the Blues from European champions Lyon.
She, too, has seen her efforts frustrated by injury but Kirk says it is possible she could also play a part against Chelsea.
The Blues manager says Christiansen’s application and commitment has been exemplary since signing for the Club and is confident she will emerge as a key player for Everton.
“Izzy is a 24/7 footballer in terms of the way she lives her life and dedicates herself to the game,” Kirk explained.
“She has already brought a lot to the group in terms of leadership, professionalism and standards.
“It will be great to see what she does on the pitch. She can play in a number of positions in the midfield.
“She can help with the build-up play and make things happen in the final third stage. She’s got a lot of attributes that we’ll tap into and use in different ways in different games."
He added: “She won’t be far away [from being fit to face Chelsea] but we’re not going to rush anything.
“It’s about getting her on the pitch and as in as good a place as possible.”