PreviewLeanne Kiernan interview: Victory boost, King Power memories and feeling sharp

Matt Beard's side were full value for their 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays Women's Super League last Friday.

Olivia Smith scored a fantastic opener and although the visitors levelled, a late own goal saw the Reds claim a vital three points.

After recovering from a recent ankle knock, Kiernan looked sharp as a second-half substitute during the win over the Seagulls.

This weekend's trip to King Power Stadium (kick-off 3pm GMT) brings back great memories for the No.9, as on the final day of last season she stepped off the bench to fire a brilliant hat-trick and secure a top-four finish.

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Liverpoolfc.com caught up with Kiernan at the AXA Melwood Training Centre to discuss the clash with Leicester and more. Read the Q&A with the forward below...

On a great win over Brighton last week…

Absolutely and it was just great to get the three points. As a team we've been working hard in training and it was nice to see it finally pay off, so hopefully we can take that in to the next game.

On the quality of Smith…

She is unbelievable! The goal she scored was a run from the halfway line and she just powered through. I was on the bench and I just stood up and applauded. They tried to foul her a lot but you've just got to take it as a compliment.

On getting the first win in the WSL at St Helens Stadium…

Absolutely massive. The fans have been with us every game and have seen the hard spells that we have had there. The luck wasn't going our way, but it did last Friday night and it was a really nice feeling.

On feeling sharp again after a little niggle…

I'm really working hard in training trying to keep my confidence up. I'm feeling good and I'm ready to go.

On the strong competition for places with everyone fully fit again…

This is what we want. You can only improve with competition for places and everyone knocking on the door. I really feel the training has been brilliant since we came back after Christmas. We are getting stuck in and it's very enjoyable. We have had small-sided games and it's getting really competitive. We've probably missed that edge a bit and the two new girls coming in have made a big difference, it's great to have some new personnel.

On how Sam Kerr and Julia Bartel are settling in with the squad…

They are two great girls and fit in to the team well. They both have a lot of quality.

• Get the latest LFC Women ticket details here

On the great memories of her hat-trick at King Power Stadium last season…

I'm really looking forward to going back. Let's hope I can start scoring again in the WSL, I'm feeling good in training and I like playing against Leicester, so I'm excited for sure.

On the frustrations of the opening-day draw with Leicester and missing some big opportunities to finish that game off…

I almost forgot we played them on the first day. We have a different mindset and we are a different team now to before. I feel like the manager has tweaked and changed a few things and it is working. Let's show the fans what we can do and hopefully bring back three points.