InterviewOlivia Smith looks forward to Anfield bow: 'It's just been on my mind constantly'

The Reds host City in the first of three games taking place at Anfield this season in the Barclays Women's Super League.

• Get your tickets for LFC Women v Man City at Anfield on Sunday here

Matt Beard's side head in to the 3pm BST kick-off with confidence, having claimed their first win of the campaign at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

"I think ever since it was announced that we'd be playing at Anfield, it's just been on my mind constantly," Smith, the winner of September's Standard Chartered Player of the Month award, told Liverpoolfc.com.

"That's just an environment I've been desperate to play in and I've never been in an environment like that. So it's definitely something not just me, but my family are looking forward to, as well as the team. I'm very excited."

Read on for the rest of our preview interview with Smith…

On her debut against Leicester City coming straight after her return from the U20 World Cup...

I think that was something that was really important to me just having that connection with the coach. Just knowing that he has so much belief in me and faith in me is honestly all that I can ask for. That's something that gives me confidence to my game as well. Of course missing almost a month and then jumping right back in was tough, but I think we have a very good understanding of each other and the team to throw me in there and adapt and solve those problems.

On the growing understanding with her teammates...

I definitely think the ball is rolling now. Getting those first couple of games were really important just to get a sense of who I'm playing with and those partnerships and developing those in training as well. We picked up a couple of injuries here and there so it's not easy, but I think we're on the right track and we have so much time still to continue developing those partnerships.

On her first goal versus West Ham United...

I don't think I could've pictured it any better. I think it's just important that we capitalise on our opportunities and that's what is going to win us games as well. At the end of the day, it's [hopefully] us taking away three points.

On having her family's support at Anfield this weekend...

The first game I think I played pretty well. But even just for my parents to be watching at home, I know it was difficult for them not to be there for my first match. But they were very proud of me. They will be coming this weekend to Anfield, which is going to be super-exciting for all of us as a family. It will be our first time being in that environment, so definitely looking forward to it. I think that's going to mean everything to me just knowing how big of a fan my dad is. He grew up loving a team like this. So to be able to step on that pitch as a woman and as a female footballer is just amazing.

On the support she is expecting this weekend...

I think as I've said a little bit earlier in the season, the fans are going to be our rock. Just having as many supporters as we can is going to be super-important for us and just the loudness of the stadium is important for us to get us going.

On facing a tough test in Man City...

We have to be super-focused. I think it goes to show, our match against Tottenham wasn't easy but on a good day we can win. I think we have the talent in this team to do that. We have individual talent, as a team we come together very well. So I think once we're focused and have the right mindset and we're on a good day, we can win.

On the victory at Tottenham...

Winning those three points, we've had a massive spiritual boost just within us. I feel like we're a very tight-knit family as well. So just having that and taking away the three points, all the excitement is building up this week. To have that going into our next match is very important.

• Get your tickets for LFC Women v Man City at Anfield on Sunday here