Courtney Brosnan believes West Ham United women's team will need to perform at their very best if they are to get the win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Only a victory will suffice for the Hammers in this midweek FA Women's Continental League Cup fixture if Matt Beard's side are to qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition, while the Irons must also hope results elsewhere go their way in order to reach the quarter-finals.
Having come from behind to beat Manchester United in their last home game, goalkeeper Brosnan says West Ham must call on the spirit they showed in that Barclays FA Women's Super League contest if they are to get the result.
I think West Ham fans want to see players that come in and work hard every single day, and we left it all out on the pitch against Man Utd. We have to do the same against Palace.
Courtney Brosnan
"I feel like we set our standard during our last home match, against Manchester United," the shot-stopper said. "Our team showed so much determination and grit to get that result. To come back twice and get the win shows what we’re about as a team.
"The atmosphere was amazing that day and you could tell that the supporters really believed in us, which was huge going into the final few minutes. I think West Ham fans want to see players that come in and work hard every single day, and we left it all out on the pitch against Man Utd.
"We have to do the same against Palace. Only our best will get us the win."
Having moved to the Irons from French side Le Havre, Brosnan is relishing life in England with West Ham and is particularly enjoying testing herself in the top flight of women's football.
The Republic of Ireland international knows she has to perform consistently to maintain her spot in the Hammers team and hopes to continue improivng with the Irons.
She continued: "I love playing in this league. It’s one of the top leagues in world football and, having been here for a few months now, you learn that every single game is really tough. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing the top team in the division or the bottom; it will be a hard game. I don’t think that’s something you necessarily find in other leagues.
"This is a different level of football. Everyone wants to play at the highest level and everyone wants to think they can do it too. When you get here, it’s a learning curve. For me, I had to work hard and show I could compete for my spot and perform in the Barclays FA WSL."
Courtney Brosnan is the coverstar of West Ham United women's Official Matchday Programme against Crystal Palace. Grab yours, for just £2, at Rush Green Stadium on Wednesday!
