Potter: She has a huge future in the game
Crystal Palace Women's Manager Jo Potter reserved special praise for one of her players in her West Ham pre-match press conference.
She spoke to the media ahead of the game on Sunday. You can watch her full press conference on Palace TV by clicking above!
Potter began by reflecting on a positive first block of games and international break, where Palace find themselves in eighth-place in the Barclays Women's Super League.
"Yeah, it was really good. We had a little reset and recharge with the players that we kept in the building and we found it's been brilliant for them.
"We've put ourselves in a really good place coming into that first block and we're really pleased with where we are. A little bit disappointed after the last two games that we feel like we could be in a better position than what we are now.
"But if you'd have asked me before the season that we would be sat where we are now, I'd have snapped your hand off for it," she said.
Potter shared her thoughts on Sunday's opponents West Ham, highlighting how dangerous the Irons can be.
She said: "I think they're a dangerous team. I think they've showed in spells what they're capable of. They're super organised, super disciplined, they've got a really good shape of how they want to work and what that looks like.
"I think they've been pretty unlucky with a few injuries that they've had as well but they've got some real threats. I think they've definitely improved and again - you can never take anything for granted.
"They can win any game, they can beat anyone. You saw the performance that they put in against London City was brilliant, fully deserved the game.
"We're expecting a really tough game and I think it'd be a really good one on Sunday with two teams with a lot to show."
Ten Palace players joined up with their national teams for the October international break, with Hayley Nolan, Shanade Hopcroft and Abbie Larkin all starring for Ireland in their aggregate win over Kazakhstan.
Potter was especially happy for Hopcroft, who scored with her first touch in an Ireland shirt last Friday.
She said: "I was absolutely delighted for Shanade. We've been saying for a long time that she's gone under the radar for a while and she's always had the desire to play at that level.
"I think it was a perfect camp for her. It didn't surprise me that she scored with the first touch and then obviously made enough of an impact to start the next game.
"Larko came into the camp on fire and it was really great for us to see all three players starting the last game, with Hayley Nolan playing as well.
"So they're on top form at the moment. I was glad that they all came back injury-free and good to go and they've been superb in training today."
She was also asked about Hopcroft's international teammate - Abbie Larkin, and how impressive the 21-year-old has been in the last year.
Potter said: "Do you know what? I feel like I always talk so highly of Larko. She's an outstanding player. I don't know where her ceiling is. I think there is much more to come from her.
"You can see when she's confident, I could tell that she'd gone into that Ireland camp really confident. There's things that she does that not many other players can do.
"You saw it in both Kazakhstan games, the assists and the directness. But when you find a player that can be so quick and direct in those areas, they don't tend to have the intricacies of being able to turn that quick and play between lines. She can do both sides of the game.
"We always demand more of her and we'll always challenge her, but she's a great girl. She's always wanting to learn and she's got a brilliant attitude.
"That's one thing I can't fault her on and that's why I think she'll keep going and keep pushing and become one of Ireland's most brightest players to come through for many, many years to come.
"She's got a huge, huge future in the game. I think we're very lucky to have her here at Palace."
You can see Larkin in action against West Ham this Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 at The 360 Engage Stadium.
Click below to secure your tickets!