Programme notes'I'm really excited' - Niamh Fahey set for return in LFC Women's cup tie v Man United

Matt Beard confirmed the defender is set to make her first appearance of the 2023-24 campaign when Manchester United Women visit Prenton Park for a group-stage encounter.

Fahey has fully recovered from the calf problem she sustained in pre-season and is now looking to help the Reds return to winning ways after the defeat at Chelsea last weekend.

• Get your tickets for tonight's Continental League Cup tie with Man United at Prenton Park here

In the matchday programme for the 7pm GMT kick-off, she writes: "The fixture list has not been too kind in sending us to London for each of our first four away fixtures in the WSL but overall we have performed quite well in those games and Saturday should not detract too much from the fact that it's been a great start to the season.

"We've picked up points and done well in our other games away from home and generally improved our away results in comparison to last season, so ultimately we've improved a lot.

"We also have to take account of the fact that we were playing a top, top side in Chelsea who have been in fantastic form in a lot of their games, so all things considered it's not something to get too disheartened by.

"Now it's about taking the learnings from it, pushing on and making sure we fix the things that we can fix and keep improving.

"The good thing about football is there's always another game around the corner and the girls will be hoping to show a reaction this week.

"Manchester United will be another tough test in tonight's Continental Cup tie. It's been a tough group for us but it has also been a chance for rotation and an opportunity for people who haven't had many minutes to get game time in the tank.

"That comes with challenges in terms of the team gelling as a unit and it will be another difficult game against United, who have also started the season well, but it will keep everyone fresh and at it.

"All things being well, I'll be able to get some good minutes myself, so personally that's something I'm really excited about and hopefully that will happen.

"Teagan Micah and Sofie Lundgaard should also be available again tonight and it was unfortunate that they had a couple of niggles that kept them out of our last Conti Cup game against Manchester City. They're both healthy again now, so we should have the majority of the group fit and available, which is good for Matt to be able to rotate and keep things fresh.

"Since my last set of programme notes we have also seen the return to action of Leanne Kiernan and everyone in the camp is thrilled to see her back on the pitch.

"Leanne's had a tough road back to full health and it's just showed the mark of her determination to come back and she's been sharp and looks back to the old Leanne.

"She's flying and that's great for her personally but also for us as a team with the quality that she has. She's a fantastic striker and brings that pace and is able to stretch in behind and I think we've missed that, so having her back is a huge plus for us."

• Pick up your copy of the programme at Prenton Park or online here