Liv Chance will be back in action for Celtic at Falkirk on Scottish Cup duties this afternoon for the Celtic FC Women’s first match since the 7-0 win over Dundee United on 4 December. The next game against Motherwell fell victim to the bad weather then there was an SWPL break with the fixtures resuming today with the early round of the Scottish Cup, a trophy that Chance helped Celtic win last May.
Chance will be heading off on international duty later this month as New Zealand get ready to co-host the Women’s World Cup with Australia this summer. It’s one of those international breaks that are out with the FIFA windows, very much like that Scotland match against Turkey which was played without Celtic players who instead were heading to Australia for the Sydney Super Cup friendlies.
This time though Celtic are more than happy to allow Chance to return to New Zealand to play in the friendly matches against the United States. One of the other highlights for the Celtic midfielder was scoring for New Zealand in the home match against Japan back in November with her family watching.
Just like the World Cup in Qatar Celtic will be well represented this summer with four, or maybe five Hoops stars likely to be involved in the competition. And with Fran Alonso confirming to The Celtic Star that he’s looking at bring in two or maybe three new signings in the January transfer window that number could rise further.
“I want to play for my national team at every opportunity I get,” Chance said at the Media Conference ahead of today’s match against Falkirk which kicks off at 12.30pm at the Falkirk Stadium (tickets for adults are just £5).
“It’s a massive call from Celtic to support me as it’s obviously not during a FIFA window. My national team are really thankful that I’ll be released to be able to play those games. I’m looking forward to it and the World Cup is at home so it’s a big year for New Zealand football.”
On the rather extended break Olivia Chance certainly appreciates the benefits that brings but is nevertheless glad to be back playing in what is going to be a huge year for her personally.
“It was nice to refresh and it’s good for the mind. It’s been great to be back and see the girls and the football has been good. I don’t think we look that far off it after having 10 days off, so I’m excited for this year,” Liv said.
“We’ve done really well this week to focus on ourselves, our own tempo, our style of play and that’s what we’ll bring this weekend. As long as we play well and get back into the flow of things, that’s the most important thing and hopefully the win will follow.”
The size of crowds has been increasing steadily and that is something the players notice, welcome and appreciate. “I think everyone plays better with a good crowd behind them and I think it’s important for Scotland as a nation to get behind the women’s side of football,” the Celtic midfielder said.
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“It’s a different experience but it’s continuously growing so the more fans that we can get to watch our games, the better we’ll continue to perform.
“It would be a dream to finish the Celtic season with the Scottish Cup and the league title. So far, the Scottish Cup final has been my favourite game in a Celtic shirt. We’re all itching to get back there and Sunday’s the first step.
“Having to play a lot of that game with 10 players was a big ask, but we actually felt very comfortable, and I think that’s down to our fitness levels. That’s the intensity that we want to train at, so it’s important for me to make sure that I’m working hard in training.
“It also makes the game easier if you’ve got that high fitness level because you’re not focussing on running back and forth, you’re just enjoying the ball.”
⚡️ Matchday ⚡️
A new cup campaign begins today!🤩🏆 Scottish Cup
🆚 Falkirk
🏟 Falkirk Stadium
🎟 £5 adults, kids go free PATG
🕕 12:30pm#FALCEL | #ScottishCup | #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/DnhkkWtH8B— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) January 8, 2023
Big exciting Sunday ahead! First match of 2023
🏆 Scottish Cup R4 for the Ghirls followed by our
🏆 U'18's Cup FinalMon the hoops 🍀💚
HH@CelticFCWomen @CelticFCAcademy #FALCEL #ScottishCup #ScottishYouthCup 🍀 #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/5SDqXJq8M1— Fran Alonso (@FranAlonsoFA) January 8, 2023
