LFC WomenGilly Flaherty becomes record WSL appearance holder

The Reds' No.25 made her 176th appearance in the top flight in the 3-3 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion Women, edging ahead of Lionesses legend Jill Scott.

Before arriving on Merseyside in the summer, Flaherty previously captained West Ham United Women under Matt Beard, and she has also enjoyed hugely successful spells with Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women, collecting a swathe of league and cup winner's medals.

Flaherty told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's a great honour to reach the record.

"I was aware of it coming up and it's funny because I still feel like I should have had more appearances as I was out injured for a fair time at Chelsea.

"But I'm grateful to have played that many games, I've seen the league grow so much over that time. I think it's been 11 years!

"The first game was Arsenal against Chelsea at Tooting, which was great, I was at Arsenal and Beardy was at Chelsea.

"You look at the standard of the teams, the players, the football being played, it's improved so much. I think there was a decent crowd that day because obviously it was the WSL opener.

"Now the exposure you get, the media side of things, we didn't have that much back then."

And on what her next big target might be, she added: "Yeah, 200 is a target! But for me it's just about staying fit, enjoying it and playing as many games as possible throughout my time here.

"I'd tell my younger self just to enjoy it all, enjoy the ride. It's been a difficult journey, there's been times I've spent out injured, but ultimately it's been an incredible journey and to win a lot throughout that time is great.

"On Sunday, it would have been nice to get a win but the way the game went it was a big point to come away with for us."

Liverpool boss Beard said of the achievement: "Gilly is a fantastic professional and this is an amazing achievement. She is a massive influence for us on and off the pitch and she's inspirational.

"Here's to many more appearances in the WSL for Gilly."

Flaherty and her teammates travel to face Reading in the WSL on Thursday (7pm GMT kick-off) and return to Prenton Park on Sunday for a Continental League Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers (2pm). Buy tickets here.

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