Hayley Raso says she is eager to bring her blend of creativity, flair and competitive fire to Everton as she paid tribute to the deep reserves of quality within the Blues’ new-look squad.

The Australian joined Everton from Brisbane Roar in January but has yet to make her Toffees debut owing to injury and the curtailment of the 2019/20 Women’s Super League season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Everton icon and fellow Aussie Tim Cahill highlighted Raso’s “pace, skill and ability to score goals” as standout attributes upon the attacker’s arrival on Merseyside.

Cahill also declared Raso’s “never-say-die” attitude will swiftly see her emerge as a fans’ favourite with the Blues.

Raso is confident the elite environment at Everton will help her flourish.

“I give 100 per cent at all times and I hope I can bring that to the team,” the forward told evertonfc.com.

“That mentality seems to go through the whole squad, which is a quality I love.

“I’ve noticed everyone gives it their all in every session.

“I also want to bring professionalism, creativity and a bit of my own flair to the team.

“Training has been really competitive so far.

“The standard is very high and I’m enjoying myself on the field.”

Raso’s Everton bow was initially postponed after she broke her nose during an Olympic qualifying match for Australia against China in February.

The 25-year-old attacker’s renowned courage – she once returned to action just six months after breaking three vertebrae in her back – was again illustrated as she played on for almost an hour after sustaining the nose injury.

“I knew something not so good had happened,” she explained. “It just didn’t feel right!

"I think I’m a bit of a battler.

“When I get knocked down, I always seem to get back up again and keep fighting.

“I’ve got that aggressive nature and that’s the mentality I bring on to the field, too.”

Raso flew to the UK in March and was fit and ready to play a part in Everton’s 2019/20 run-in.

Her hopes of featuring for the Blues before the end of the campaign were dashed, however, as the COVID-19 outbreak forced the country into lockdown.

“Within five days of arriving at Everton, I had to get a flight back to Australia,” added Raso, who has won league championships in her home country with Canberra United and in the USA with Portland Thorns.

“I didn’t get a chance to have a training session.

“I am so happy now to be finally settled with the team.

“I was talking to the Club every few days when I was away [during lockdown].

“They were giving me training sessions and gym sessions to do, and I was just following that programme until I was able to come back here.

“I’m really excited about this new experience now.

“I’ve watched a number of games from the league and it was something I wanted to be a part of.

“For me, it’s about stepping out of my comfort zone and throwing myself into a new challenge, 100 per cent.”

Raso was one of two signings made by Everton during the winter transfer window, with England midfielder Izzy Christiansen joining from French side Lyon. Christiansen, too, has yet to make her competitive Blues debut due to injury and the shortened 2019/20 season.

Everton manager Willie Kirk has significantly bolstered his squad this summer with six new arrivals.

The Toffees have brought in England Under-21 full-back Poppy Pattinson, experienced Norway defender Ingrid Moe Wold, Danish international pair Rikke Sevecke and Nicoline Sorensen, prolific France striker Valerie Gauvin and skilful Scottish forward Claire Emslie.

“It’s really exciting how well Willie has done in signing quality players,” says Raso.

“Izzy and I feel like new additions to the squad, too, because we haven’t played yet.

“We have got a lot of depth. We’re looking forward to playing WSL games together and seeing what we can achieve.”

Everton have two friendly matches this week, with the Blues hosting Blackburn Rovers at USM Finch Farm on Wednesday (7pm) and Durham at Walton Hall Park on Sunday (4pm).

Kirk’s side then kick off the new WSL season with an away game at Bristol City on Sunday 6 September (2pm).

Raso is eagerly anticipating the start of the campaign and explained how her Everton teammates have helped her quickly feel settled at the Club.

“I’ve been absolutely loving it,” she added.

“They are such a welcoming group. All the girls have been so lovely and so wonderful on and off the field, so I’ve fitted right in. It’s been amazing.

“I’m living with [Everton team captain] Lucy Graham. We get on very well.

“She has made me feel really welcome and it’s very easy to live with her. It’s an ideal situation."