Liverpool Ladies goalkeeper Libby Stout ready to take title-winning feelgood factor to Linkopings
Reds ready for Champions League second leg in Sweden
Chris Beesley
Libby Stout, Liverpool goalkeeper
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Liverpool Ladies goalkeeper Libby Stout is hoping to take the feelgood factor from Sunday's dramatic Women's Super League title into tonight's Champions League match at Linkopings.
Despite being the outsiders in a three-way race to clinch the WSL, a 3-0 defeat of Bristol Academy combined with a 2-1 defeat for Chelsea at Manchester City and 2-2 draw for Birmingham at home to Notts County ensured the Reds were crowned champions for the second consecutive season on goal difference.
Liverpool Ladies 2 vs 1 Linkopings FC
Buoyed by their unexpected success, Matt Beard's side are now hoping to progress in their first ever Champions League tie as they take a 2-1 first leg lead with them to Sweden.
Stout said: "We're all very excited for this game and we go into it really enthusiastically after winning the championship on Sunday - we're ready to go.
"We thought we had won it but we had to wait for the other results to trickle in.
"It was certainly the best day of my career. I'd been saying to the girls how I wish I'd have been here last year when they won the league but we've gone and done it again.
"Winning the championship has taken a little bit of pressure off us because we've gone and done our job now so we're kind of relaxed going into this game."
The American Under-23 international believes that this season's travails have also demonstrated the squad's mental strength.
She said: "We've had to deal with our fair share of adversity with injuries but it allowed us to bring some of the younger girls into the group.
"We're a really well-rounded and tight-knit unit that is a good team to be part of and there's a great environment at the club."
Stout was kept busy during the first leg at the Select Security Stadium and had to make several good saves in one-on-one situations to keep the Swedes out.
Liverpool's opponents are experienced campaigners in this competition and Stout is expecting another stern test.
She said: "It was a hard fought game and we were under quite a bit of pressure. The difference was that we put our chances away.
"We know we're going to have to put in a shift. Linkopings are a pretty direct team and their transition from defence to offence is quick.
"They're strong and physical and it's going to be a dog fight but we're up for it."
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