Villa boss Carla Ward believes Rachel Daly could ‘one hundred per cent’ be a striker option for England
CARLA WARD believes Rachel Daly’s ruthless scoring form could make her an option in attack for England.
And the Aston Villa boss, 38, hopes to extend her managerial tenure beyond next season with her contract set to expire in 2023.
Ward’s aces face Paul Konchesky’s West Ham in their first home match after the international break.
The club, who are third, have enjoyed an impressive start to this season
They have claimed three wins in three games in all contests including a surprise defeat of Manchester City.
Their efforts have seen Daly – who bagged four goals in three games across all contests – win September’s Barclays WSL player of the month gong.
On if the Villa ace could be considered as a Lionesses forward option, Ward said: “Rachel is one of the highest scorers in the WSL right now so one hundred per cent she should be.
“She’s a centre forward and she should be absolutely knocking on the door.
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“She is brilliant on and off the pitch and I could not speak higher in terms of what she does for the youngsters.
“They’re all in awe of her because of what she’s achieved. But what she does for them is exceptional.
“She’s taken them all under the wing and will get after them to make sure they don’t have a single minute or second off.
“She sets a standard that is unbelievably high.”
Villa, who finished ninth last term, are currently reaping the rewards of Ward’s business in the summer transfer window.
The signings of Danielle Turner, Daly and Kenza Dali, and loan swoops for Anna Patten and Kirsty Hanson have made a positive difference to the team on the pitch.
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On former Everton skipper Turner’s shifts in defence for Villa, Ward added: “She hasn’t put a foot wrong.
“Danielle has been unbelievable not just on the pitch but with her professionalism off it.
“You can see why she was a captain and leader at Everton.”
Ward, who won the WSL manager of the month prize for September, hopes to extend her reign as club boss.
The Villa manager, who has seven months left on her contract, said: “I want to be here for a long, long time.
“It is something that I’m sure will be discussed soon.
“All being well, I would say yes. Hopefully, that’s a conversation (that happens) soon.”
Villa are currently winless against West Ham in four WSL encounters.
The London club have been victorious once against the Villans and sealed draws in three other top-flight duels with their rivals.
In the Hammers, Ward sees a side whose style reflects Konchesky on the pitch during his Irons playing days.
The Bescot Stadium chief sees her team’s opponents as “confident, aggressive and front-footed”.
West Ham gaffer, Konchesky, 41, said: “We want to build on what we did last year (finish sixth in the league).
“If we get one more point or one step further in cup competition that would be a success for us.”