Missy Goodwin wants Leicester to flex their muscles in the Women's Super League next season after signing a new long-term deal with the club.

The Foxes found form in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign to avoid relegation and finish 10th. 

And Goodwin, 20, believes now is the time to kick on.

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, the forward said: "It was a difficult season. We didn't get off to the best start.

"But then when Willie [Kirk] came in, we started to show everyone what Leicester are about.

"That's what we want to take into the new season. I feel like the world hasn't seen the best version of Leicester yet.

"We know how good we can be but it's exciting to be able to show people that Leicester don't belong in a relegation battle."

The title race and battle for survival were leagues within a league last season as the top four — Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City — pulled away from the rest.

But Goodwin, who signed for the Foxes in January 2022, believes the club can eventually make up that ground.

She added: "Leicester are still very new to the league. It will take a while to build up.

"We've only been there for two seasons. Underneath that top four the teams are very close. 

"I think it will just take to compete with them."

Lioness in the making

After a season in which she was largely restricted to cameo appearances, Goodwin is eager to contribute more at Leicester.

Her one goal, off the bench in a crucial 4-0 victory over Liverpool in April, gave the attacker the taste for more.

She said: "I want to establish myself in the team. As an attacking-minded player, you always want to be involved in goals.

"It comes from training. Achieving the standards in training you would achieve in the game means you're ready."

Excelling at club level should also accelerate the starlet's international career, with three Under-17s caps and two U-19s appearances already bagged for England.

Goodwin added: "From a young age, being part of that has been enjoyable. You make a lot of friends throughout the system.

"It's something I want to keep going. Competing with the best in the WSL can only help."

Our time to shine

Goodwin is excited to be beginning her career in an era of huge development for the women's game but insists there is no room for complacency. 

The World Cup is another showcase for the game and the Leicester ace believes her generation should take responsibility for continuing the momentum.

She said: "The more established people have got women's football where it is now but it's the job of younger people to carry that on.

"There are a lot more youth teams and a lot of young girls wanting to get into football. I didn't have this many role models back in the day.

"It's becoming more popular but it's nowhere near where it can be."

Another major tournament victory for Euro 2022 winners England would do the chances of even greater growth no harm.

Goodwin added: "I think the Lionesses have a really good chance. 

"They've got that experience of lifting a trophy now and I'm predicting them to win it."