Claire Emslie says Everton are “growing every week” and insists the Blues possess the belief and quality to compete with the best sides in the country.

The Scotland international attacker also explained why the upcoming Women’s Football Weekend “is a brilliant thing for the sport”.

After six WSL matches in 2020/21, Everton sit fourth in the WSL table, just three points behind leaders Manchester United.

The Blues host Reading at Walton Hall Park on Saturday (4.30pm) aiming to hit back following Sunday’s defeat at reigning champions Chelsea.

Emslie, who joined Everton on loan from US side Orlando Pride in August, was one of seven signings made by manager Willie Kirk during the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old explained how the team’s chemistry is continually developing, as she underlined the importance of the clash with sixth-placed Reading.

“We’re all desperate to get back on the pitch and get back to that winning mentality and winning culture,” she told evertonfc.com.

“It’s a big game and we can’t wait for it to come.

“Against Chelsea, the scoreline [a 4-0 defeat] was obviously not good, but for the first 70 minutes it was a very tight game. It was only 1-0 up until then and we had chances to equalise.

“We’ve got such a good group and we’re all in it together.

“We can look at the performance against Man City in the cup final, too, which showed we can compete at the highest level.

“Obviously, it’s a fresh group still coming together.

“Our patterns of play are improving every week and I feel we grow with every match.”

Emslie’s impressive start to her Everton career was highlighted with a nomination for October’s WSL Player of the Month prize.

The Edinburgh-born attacker, who has scored two goals this term, believes she is part of a team primed for success.

“Personally, I’m really enjoying my time and I’m really excited about what’s to come,” she added.

“We won’t let these defeats [against Manchester City and Chelsea] get our heads down too much.

“We just learn from it and use it to get better for the next game.

“It’s a long season and there will be little bumps on the road but I feel if we all stick together, anything is possible.”

Everton’s home meeting with Reading on Saturday (4.30pm) will form part of the Women’s Football Weekend celebration.

With the men’s international break creating a pause in the Premier League and Championship calendars, supporters are being urged to support women’s football by tuning into live fixtures being broadcast on the The FA Player.

WSL kick-offs have been staggered over the weekend, meaning all six top-flight matches will be available to view with no fixture clashes.

“Events like Women’s Football Weekend are really important,” said Emslie.

“It’s great all the matches are available for people to watch, especially now we can’t get fans into the stadiums.

“Because people can’t get to games, they’re desperate to watch football and I think we might get even more viewers.

“If you look at our squad and the amount of players we have from overseas, it’s great their families and friends in their home countries can watch, as well as the wider public [from those nations].

“Women’s Football Weekend is a brilliant thing for our sport and hopefully it can help us grow the game even more.”