Brighton & Hove Albion manager Hope Powell says that Republic of Ireland international forward Rianna Jarrett is playing catch up with the English game.
The 26-year-old Wexford-born forward has had a tough start to life with Albion. She netted a brace on her debut for the club against Crystal Palace in a Vitality Women’s FA Cup last-16 tie in February but then had to wait almost seven months for her next competitive appearance in an Albion shirt due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Jarrett has started just two of The Seagulls’ six games in all competitions this season and manager Powell said that the player is still getting up to speed with the English game after joining Albion from Irish Women’s National League club Wexford Youths.
“I think by her own admission, its a bit of a step up for her” said Powell when speaking to FA Women’s Super League Full-Time about Jarrett’s Albion career so far. “She has come from lower league and she has told me that this was just her second proper pre-season in her life.
“She has got a bit of catching up to do.”
Despite Jarrett being new to the English game and playing an occasional role in the Albion side so far, the player has averaged a goal a little over every 100 minutes of football. Manager Powell believes that the forward has all of the attributes to be a success at The People’s Pension Stadium.
The Albion boss added “I think her attitude is great, she wants to learn and she is physically strong.
“It is very difficult coming into this league having never experienced it before adapting to the pace of it.
“It is taking her a bit of time. Every time she plays, she learns and it gives her confidence, I’m hoping there is lots more to come.”
Jarrett will be hoping for another opportunity to impress when Brighton & Hove Albion face Everton in their latest Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture at Walton Hall Park on Sunday.
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