Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor is facing a selection dilemma ahead of this evening’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture against Birmingham City at The Academy Stadium but he admits that it is a nice position to be in.
The Cityzens are likely to need just four points from their last two matches to qualify for next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League. They face a Birmingham City side this evening who will be relegated if they do not win at The Academy Stadium.
Manchester City won 7-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion in their last match with Jamaican international forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw netting four goals. Head coach Taylor will now have to choose between Shaw and Ellen White for the number nine spot in his team this evening.
When speaking to FAWSL Full-Time about his selection dilemma, Taylor said that it is a good problem to have.
“It is a good situation to be in for us,” Taylor said. “We have different types of wingers, different types of strikers. We always look at the opposition in terms of where we can exploit the areas and look for the symmetry in the top line and the cohesion.
“It is great for a manager to have those options, although we didn’t have that earlier in the season. As long as everybody is competing, that’s the most important thing.”
Forward Shaw is in her first season with Manchester City. The player has had to be patient for on-field minutes but Taylor went on to say that she has a very bright future in the English game.
He said “We’ve signed a player with huge talent and huge potential. She is still a young player who is in a different league this season but she’s had a good season.
“To have someone to compete with and to help her in her situation like Ellen White is amazing for her, you’ve got a player there who has seen it, done it, has the goals under her belt and will help her in many situations.
“The atmosphere and the surroundings for Bunny at this club are perfect for her to go on and push and become the very best version of herself.”
Manchester City’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture against Birmingham City kicks-off at 7pm.
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