Kearns sets sights on emulating Stevie G by scoring at Goodison

Liverpool midfielder Missy Bo Kearns would love to emulate Steven Gerrard by scoring in a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. 

The Merseysider, already the youngest player to captain the Reds, has set her sights on winning trophies with the club she joined as an eight-year-old. 

Apart from former Everton and Liverpool midfielder Fara Williams, Kearns had few visible female football role models when she was growing up. 

She was naturally drawn to Kop legend Gerrard, who scored two of his 10 goals against Everton at Goodison. 

And the midfielder, 21, cannot wait to take to the pitch on Friday night when Liverpool head to the spiritual home of their rivals. 

She said: "I used to watch video clips of Gerrard and I think the runs I am making are similar to what he made, arriving in the box late. 

"I'm fortunate enough to be the ambassador of his college and it's a massive thing for me that I get to go down and have an impact on the girls' side. 

"I was fortunate Fara played for Liverpool when I was in the Under-9s so I had her to watch but there weren't as many [role models] as now.

"There are girls and boys now who look up to Women's Super League players and I think that's the way the game is going, which is great to see.

"Every Liverpool girl and boy dreams big and I want to captain Liverpool [permanently] one day but I'm just enjoying every single minute. 

"Liverpool should be winning things and hopefully we'll be challenging for silverware in the next few years if we keep improving."

After sealing promotion to the WSL following his return to the club, boss Matt Beard has guided Liverpool to eighth this term. 

And with 14 points on the board, the Reds are arguably safe from relegation — but Beard will not allow his players to become complacent. 

He said: "We are not going to take that for granted until it is mathematically confirmed but I think we can start looking at West Ham in seventh now rather than the teams below us. 

"The main thing is to consolidate. If you look at the journey of the top teams in the WSL, we know it's going to take a little bit of time. 

"The plan in the next three to five years is to be competing in the top four."