Megan Finnigan has revealed her pride at being appointed Everton Women’s new captain and has welcomed the honour as an opportunity to take the next step in her Blues career.   

The Academy graduate has been at the Club since the age of nine and is now Everton Women's longest-serving player.   

Although aged just 25, the central defender made her senior bow back in 2015 and has developed into an integral member of the squad across the past eight years.   

Ahead of Everton’s WSL season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend at Walton Hall Park, Finnigan has been chosen to lead the squad on the pitch by manager Brian Sorensen.   

"It's a very proud moment for me and for my family," Finnigan told evertontv. "They were really proud when I told them the news.   

"When Brian told me he wanted me as captain I was delighted. It's an honour for me because this is my childhood club. When I started playing for Everton when I was nine, I don't think I could have dreamt of being captain.   

"Brian asked me if I wanted the responsibility of being captain, and straight away I said 'yes'. I think I am at a stage in my career where I can take on that responsibility. I have been here for a long time, and despite being only 25, I have a lot of experience.   

"The next day he announced in the team meeting that I was going to be captain. It was very nice and I had a big smile on my face.   

"Since I've come back for pre-season, I have felt in a good place both physically and mentally. I am ready to take my game to the next level." 

Everton return to league action this weekend when they welcome Brighton to Walton Hall Park (Sunday, 1pm kick-off BST). Click here to get your tickets. 

The Blues will be looking to build on their impressive first season under manager Sorensen where they recorded a number of standout victories - not least the 3-0 win at Anfield over Liverpool - en route to achieving a top-six finish.   

Now captain, Finnigan is aware there'll be added pressure on her shoulders going into the new campaign but is relishing the challenge and sees it as a chance to showcase her leadership qualities. 

“I said in my interview when I signed a new three-year contract that I wanted to be remembered as a Club legend,” she added. 

"I think I do have leadership qualities, but people haven't seen the best of them yet because I have not been put into this role.   

"I have a lot of games under my belt for Everton. With a lot of new players coming in, hopefully I can be the person they go to if they need help. Someone who knows the Club inside out because I'd like to think I do.   

"I have been chosen to be captain for a reason, I'll remain Meg. I won't be changing too much but there's definitely added responsibility as captain. I hope I can thrive on that.” 

On the appointment, manager Sorensen said: “We are delighted to name Meg as our new captain. 

“She loves the Club, having been here for many years, and has developed into an excellent player who can lead our squad both on and off the pitch. 

“She has undoubted leadership qualities and we hope the added responsibility of being captain can help her continue to flourish at Everton."