Sara Holmgaard has returned to Everton following her loan spell with Fortuna Hjørring and is now eligible for Brian Sorensen’s squad, starting with Sunday’s home clash against Reading at Walton Hall Park.

After joining the Blues in August with her twin sister, Karen, the 23-year-old defender spent the past six months competing in the Danish top-flight, making 16 appearances and scoring two goals.

Now back on Merseyside, Denmark international Holmgaard is excited to begin a new chapter in royal blue.

“It feels really nice to finally be at Everton,” she said. “I’m so happy to be at the Club.

“It was a difficult decision to go on loan, but ultimately the right one.

“Being back home with family and friends was nice and playing with a good team in Fortuna helped build my confidence.”

Holmgaard’s spell in Denmark was the first time in her professional career that she didn’t have her twin sister by her side.

While it was perhaps a daunting experience at first, she believes the pair have matured a lot from the experience.

“It was a bit difficult in the beginning,” Holmgaard continued. “But it was also nice to challenge ourselves and have some time apart.

“It was easier than I had expected but I’ve always known that we could live apart if it came to it.

“We’ve both matured in the time we have spent away from each other.

“I know when we’re together that I’m able to achieve more, but I’m glad I was able to push myself when being alone.”

The Dane has trained with the Everton squad this week leading up to Sunday’s return of the Barclays Women’s Super League when the Blues welcome Reading (1pm GMT) at Walton Hall Park.

And Holmgaard is excited at the possibility of making her debut in front of passionate home support.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she added. “Hopefully I can get some minutes and I’m just so excited to meet the fans for the first time.

“Karen has told me a lot about the atmosphere. It’s a small stadium but you can really feel it around you.

“We’re in a good position in the table and we must continue to move forward with each match.

“If I come into the game on Sunday then I’m going to give my absolute best.”

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