Mannion craves a challenge

The 29-year-old hit the landmark in the win over Aston Villa, becoming the 21st player to do so here, and is pleased with the resilience she has shown to reach the half-century.

In an exclusive interview with the matchday programme, available at Leigh Sports Village when Marc Skinner's side tackle Everton on Sunday (12:00 BST kick-off), the Republic of Ireland international accepts there have been obstacles and challenges along the way, since joining in 2021.

“When I look at 50 games across four years, it’s not much,” she said. “But with the experience I’ve had and the cards I’ve been dealt, and how it’s been up and down, I look at it as though it’s been 400 games!

"I really appreciate what a joy it is, and continues to be, to be involved in this team.”

In terms of personal highlights, she’s quick to pick out a pair of famous wins. “The first is against Arsenal [at Leigh Sports Village in April 2023, when Aoife was named Player of the Match] – it was my first 90 minutes back following my anterior-cruciate ligament injury. We won, and we came second in the league that year.

"And then there’s the FA Cup final win against Spurs last season – that was madness! It was the context as well – we were 4-0 up when I came on [in the 78th minute]. In those few moments, to be able to appreciate the gravity of what’s happening – the amount of fans at Wembley, the occasion, and that it was so sunny that day. That day can’t be topped.”

Continuing to learn all the time, and adjust to different circumstances, is something that Mannion feels is imperative at the top level, as the Reds look for three points against a Toffees side she acknowledges "are a really good team with some results to back it up".

"I think, through getting older and having experiences, it becomes imperative to adapt," she added. "For example, in my last international game, I thought I was going to play centre-back, but somebody got injured in the warm-up so I played the first half at left-back and the second half at right-back.

"For some, that wouldn’t really be their jam, but I think the more I try to be adaptable and flexible in my thinking and try to be resilient, the thing that remains is that I can always give everything and give an honest account of myself.

"I think, generally, people can see that and appreciate that. So I don’t mind it – I actually almost crave those moments where it’s a bit of a challenge."

Get your copy of the official programme at Sunday's game against Everton.