Willie Kirk: expand the WSL to give British talent a chance

Everton manager Willie Kirk has called on the FA to expand the Women's Super League to provide more opportunities for homegrown talent whilst maintaining its position as one of the best leagues in the world.

Kirk has signed four foreign players ahead of the new WSL season, including France star Valerie Gauvin, but argues there has to be a balance to strengthen the appeal of the league. 

"As long as you keep on expanding the game and add on a couple of teams, I don't think there is a problem," he told BBC Sport.

"I'm looking at players in my squad like Grace Clinton, who is a really talented teenager, and she's probably the sixth-choice midfielder," he added. "She could play for every Championship team and possibly a couple of WSL teams."

Asked about the WSL's appeal in the global game, he replied: "If it's not the best in the world yet, I reckon it will be in the next two years."

And Kirk hopes the continued rise in the profile of the sport in England could persuade more stars to stay at home rather than be lured over to the NWSL in the States. 

"There are talented British players due to come back over from the United States soon and there is a lot of good talent coming through."