Nicoline Sorensen says the keen competition for places in Everton’s starting XI can fuel a push for Champions League qualification this season.

Wille Kirk’s side launch their Barclays FA Women’s Super League campaign at Bristol City on Sunday, with the manager’s selection conundrum heightened by a summer of top-end recruitment.

Danish international forward Sorensen, who was on target against Durham last Sunday as Everton completed their pre-season with successive 5-0 victories, is one of seven close-season additions to Kirk’s squad.

What’s more, England international midfielder Izzy Christiansen and Hayley Raso, the star Australian attacker, are both vying for competitive Everton debuts following their winter arrivals.

Kirk’s bid to maintain the upwards direction of travel he oversaw last term, when Everton claimed a first top-six WSL finish since 2013, begins in the west country this weekend.

“The quality of the squad is so good and I feel we can achieve our goals,” Sorensen told evertonfc.com.

“Our ambition is to be in the top-three and to get into one of the Champions League spots.

“That’s what we’re going for and I think we have the quality in the squad to do that.

“There is so much competition in the team, which I think makes everyone better. Everyone has to be at 100 per cent every time we practise.

“The fact we will keep pushing each other is a big quality we have in this squad.

“Everyone wants to start every game. It is really competitive, which is good for the team.

“It is a great squad and it is exciting to be part of it.

“Everyone is enjoying being together. Now it’s just about focusing on our goals and doing the right things, then I think we can reach the targets we are aiming for this season.”

Sorensen, player of the year in Denmark last season after topping the country’s scoring charts for Brondby, has been in Kirk’s crosshairs since the Scot’s appointment as boss midway through 2018/19.

Twice a league title winner in her homeland, the 23-year-old has enjoyed an encouraging first pre-season in England.

Indeed, things have quickly clicked for all the Club’s new recruits.

Centre-back Rikke Sevecke, another Dane, netted in a 5-0 friendly win over Blackburn Rovers and fellow defenders Poppy Pattinson and Ingrid Moe Wold have had significant action in warm-up games.

Equally, France international striker Valerie Gauvin and Claire Emslie, the Scotland forward on loan from Orlando Pride for the season, go into the new campaign with match practice under their belts.

Christiansen, meanwhile, is coming to the boil in timely fashion. The influential midfielder, a Champions League winner with former club Lyon, scored a fine goal against Durham after teeing up Sorensen for her first strike in a blue shirt.

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah came off the bench last weekend to score twice in the closing minutes and give Kirk – who this week completed the capture of 21-year-old Spain international midfielder Damaris Egurrola from Athletic Bilbao – something else to ponder for the opening day visit to Twerton Park.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Willie, very much,” said Sorensen.

“He is a really good manager and excellent on a personal level.

“I feel like I can speak with him about everything.

“I know where he stands and where he thinks I need to improve, which is really important.

“I really like working with him, he is so good.

“The whole staff around the team is amazing. They have been really good at making everyone feel welcome but, at the same, getting the best out of each player."

Sorensen added: “This first match has come around very quickly.

“It’s going to be a big game, especially for a lot of us who have never played in the WSL.

“It’s going to be really nice to start the season and play for some points.

“It has felt good to get out there with everyone in the friendlies.

“I think we keep improving and we’re continually getting to know each other better.”