England goalkeeper Mary Earps signs for Bristol Academy

Thursday 27 Mar 2014
Mary Earps in action at the La Manga Tournament earlier this month

England Women’s goalkeeper Mary Earps has joined last season’s FA WSL and FA Women’s Cup runners-up Bristol Academy.

The 21-year-old left Birmingham City earlier this month.

Earps told BBC Sport: "I'm really excited to be here.

"I'm looking for game time and after speaking to the manager [Dave Edmondson] and training here, the vibe was really positive. I'm excited to come down and fit into that."

Earps has been drafted into Mark Sampson’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Montenegro at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium on Saturday 5 April.

She has earned 21 caps at youth level, including in the Under-23 La Manga Tournament earlier this month, but has yet to make her senior team bow.

This is her second involvement with this squad, after she was called up for the double-header against Belarus and Turkey last September.

Earps added: "There's some brilliant players in the squad with a lot of experience.

"I hope to be like a sponge and absorb as much as I can from the players, coaches and the environment. I want to bring that back to my club and put it into my performances."

By FA Staff