Laura Blindkilde Brown is ready for the challenge of representing Women's Super League title hopefuls Manchester City after joining from Aston Villa on January transfer deadline day.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder made her debut against Leicester earlier this month and is hopeful of breaking into Sarina Wiegman's England squad for the first time.

Blindkilde Brown says the decision to leave Villa, who she joined from Birmingham in June 2020, was an incredibly tough one but recognised a switch to City would be best for her career development.

The Lionesses Under-23s regular told LiveScore: "The decision to leave Villa was not an easy one at all.

"It might've been for some because it's a top club coming in for you, which is everyone's dream.

"But I was really enjoying myself at Villa, getting loads of minutes and proving my quality.

"However, I also knew I needed a new challenge. If I wanted to further my career then City was the place to be."

Sarina's style

Wiegman's latest Lionesses squad for friendlies against Austria and Italy this month features six City players in Khiara Keating, Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan, Jess Park, Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly.

And Blindkilde Brown says the similarities in playing style between the two teams can assist her bid to join her club colleagues on international duty.

She said: "I realised a lot of City players represent England.

"And the way City play, I really think I can fit into that style.

"Sarina loves ball-playing midfielders and me being part of this team fighting for the WSL title is only going to raise my levels.

"Hopefully it'll push me into the England fold because Sarina knows any player representing City has to be good on the ball."

Settling in

While she is awaiting her first start under Gareth Taylor's rule, Blindkilde Brown says she is already comfortable at City, who produced an enormous 1-0 win at WSL leaders Chelsea last Friday.

Admitting to being taken aback by the Citizens' interest ahead of the late January switch, the Sheffield native praised the camaraderie behind the scenes at the Joie Stadium.

She said: "When I found out City wanted me I was so overwhelmed. I couldn't believe it to be honest.

"There were nerves when I first arrived, joining a new team when I'd been at Villa for so long. 

"But I knew Khiara [Keating] and Ruby [Mace] which was really helpful, as they quickly helped me settle in.

"And it's actually been so easy to settle in, it's one of the nicest teams I've met. The girls are all brilliant."

Blindkilde Brown also knows the growth of the women's game in recent years means she is in a fantastic position, partly due to the success of the Lionesses under Wiegman.

The young City ace added: "I definitely feel really privileged that my job is playing football and I'm getting paid to do that.

"Ten years ago or so, girls would have to play football and then have another job as well.

"It's a great time to be coming through the ranks."