Liverpool's Missy Bo Kearns named Young Player of the…

Liverpool's Missy Bo Kearns named Young Player of the Year at Women's Football Awards

Liverpool forward Missy Bo Kearns admitted it was a proud moment to be crowned Young Player of the Year at the inaugural Women's Football Awards.

The midfielder has been a standout performer for the Reds this term, having notched four goals to help the club secure Women's Super League [WSL] survival in their first season back in the top flight. Kearns, a Liverpool native, has been on the club's books since the age of eight and has successfully progressed through the ranks with Liverpool while also being capped by England at U23 level.

The 22-year-old was jointly recognised as the WSL's brightest young talent - alongside England and Chelsea winger Lauren James - at a ceremony in London on Thursday night. The awards represent the first publicly-voted initiative to recognise all-levels of the women's game and celebrate the players, people, brands and organisations who have contributed to the phenomenal growth of the sport.

"It’s a massive thing to be getting recognised by fans who are watching women’s football," Kearns told the ECHO.

"It’s great to be recognised alongside Lauren because we’ve grown up together playing in the different England age groups, and all the nominees are my friends, so it’s great that we’re getting recognised and a proud moment for me and my family."

Kearns will get another opportunity to showcase her talents when Liverpool host title-chasing Manchester United on the final day of campaign this Saturday. The midfielder's goal sealed a 2-1 victory over Manchester City last time out at Prenton Park, thus guaranteeing the club's WSL survival, and she believes this season can act as a solid foundation on which the Reds can build next term.

Kearns received the award at a ceremony in London on Thursday ((Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images,))

"It’s great that we're back in the WSL next season. It’s where the club should be. We’ve worked hard and the club has worked hard and it’s paid off.

"We’ll keep thriving off it and keep working hard and hopefully push on up the table."

Kearns' performances for her childhood club recently saw her become the first Liverpool Women's player to receive a mural in her honour in the city. The mural, which adorns the side of a house on Tancred Road in Anfield, depicts Kearns kissing the Women’s Championship trophy as a young fan watches on.

Commissioned by Liverpool FC Women Supporters Club and paid for by the Welcome Back Fund, the impressive work of art was painted by local artist Paul Curtis, who is also the mastermind behind a number of other Liverpool FC-related murals across the city.

"It was massive," Kearns said, reflecting on the honour. "It’s a big shock for me so I’m over the moon. I still don’t think it’s sunk in so I’m made up."

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