EMSLIE’S BACK ON A HIGH AT BRISTOL

SWAPPING sun-kissed Florida for wet and windy Bristol might take some getting used to, but Claire Emslie hit the ground running on her WSL debut last week and revealed that a fear of letting down her team-mates inspired her performance. The 22-year-old had been on a football scholarship at Florida Atlantic University, studying exercise science, and answered a call from old boss Willie Kirk to join Bristol City last month. Coming into a side flying high in the WSL 2 table, as they seek an immediate return to the top flight, was admittedly nerve-racking for Emslie. But two goals in the first 41 minutes of her debut in City’s 4-1 defeat of Oxford United relieved any tension. Emslie said a desire to prove this is where she belongs spurred her on. “I knew I was coming into a good team, so I was nervous because I wanted to impress my team-mates,” said the forward, who played under Kirk at Scottish side Hibernian before crossing the Atlantic. “The standard is very high and, when you are playing alongside quality players, it makes it easier for you. “I was surprised to be starting against Oxford, but I had been training with the girls for three weeks and we’ve built up relationships. “So, once the game started, the nerves settled and it was great to get the goals.” On arrival in Bristol, Emslie was greeted by several familiar faces, including childhood friend Hannah Reid. The two now live together, helping Emslie to settle even quicker off the pitch than she might have expected. Now, having instantly found her feet, Emslie hopes she can build on what she learned in America and continue to progress in the West Country. She also has half an eye on breaking into the Scotland squad ahead of next summer’s European Championship. “It would be a dream to represent Scotland at the Euros, but I know just how difficult that is going to be to achieve,” she added. “Scotland have a great squad and the team is doing really well. “Growing up, I was in the national team and knew I wouldn’t keep playing if I went to America, but I thought going there and improving would give me a better chance of being in the squad when I came back. “The first year I was there we got new coaches who were very experienced. “Pat Baker grew up in England and played in Germany, so he knows about European football and he converted me into a forward, not just a midfield player. “He taught me about the art of finishing, as well as game management. “Every coach has a different style, different things they want to emphasise, but I certainly learned a lot from my time there. “And I think Bristol is a great place for me to further improve. “It’s a different style of football in England and the season here is longer. In America, they play for only three months. “So I’m really excited to be back.”