LOCAL girl, Rachel Unitt has more reason than most to look forward to England Women's forthcoming World Cup Qualifier against Turkey, which takes place here at Banks's Stadium on Thursday (kick-off 7.00pm).
"To play for your country is fantastic, but to do it in your home town makes it extra special," said the 28 year-old who grew up on the nearby Bentley Estate. "I'm really looking forward to the game; Banks's Stadium is a nice place to play as the atmosphere is always good and the pitch will be like a mini Wembley.
"I was fortunate enough to score a couple of goals in my appearance here against the Czech Republic in 2005, so hopefully I can do the same again in front of family and friends.
"Turkey are a decent side; we played them five or six months ago and whilst we had all the possession, they were extremely hard to break down as they got plenty of people behind the ball.
"On that occasion we managed to score three late goals, but it was a tough encounter and we are expecting more of the same on Thursday.
"Everyone wants to beat us, but we are confident that we can get a result and give our fans something to cheer about."
Unitt has come a long way since her days turning out for Birchills Ramblers at the age of ten. "Back then there were only a handful of local girl's teams and no Academies for girls like me who were interested in developing their footballing skills," she added. "I found myself training with the lads and playing for Bentley Community Boys FC.
"It was when I joined Wolves Women that things started to get serious. I had trials for the England Under-16s and things just took off from there.
"It's amazing to pull on an England shirt and wear the Three Lions at any level. It has to be the pinnacle of anyone's career; to know that I am one of the best in the country at my chosen sport means so much."
After Wolves, Unitt moved on to Everton Ladies in 2000 before becoming part of the Fulham Ladies revolution.
Winning a domestic treble with the Londoners, who became the first women's team in the UK to go full-time, she returned to Everton in 2004 where she remains today, despite a brief spell playing in America's W-League with New Jersey Wildcats during the following year.
"There have been plenty of highlights in my career so far," she went on. "The pick has to be playing in the 2005 European Championships, which were held in England, and also scoring for my country at Banks's Stadium.
"I've been fortunate to play alongside some talented players and take plenty of enjoyment out of the game I love."
So, which players have most influenced Unitt? "Whilst I was growing up I took a lot of inspiration from Ryan Giggs," she recalled. "He played in the same position as me back then and had so much talent and ability, which he is still displaying on a consistent basis at the top level today.
"These days players like John Terry and Joe Cole are the ones that I most admire."
But the burning question is, does the Bentley girl follow the fortunes of her home town team? "I don't support any particular team but I look out for the results of all the local West Midlands clubs and want each of them to do well.
"Walsall is a good club and I wish them well for the season ahead."
Tickets for England's World Cup Qualifier against Turkey are £5 (adults), £2.50 (under 16s/ over 60s) and £10 for a Family Ticket (2 adults/ 2 children). Group bookings can be made for groups over 15 with prices at £3 (adults) and £2 (Concessions).
Please note that 2010/11 Walsall FC season-ticket holders can claim TWO FREE tickets for the game on production of Voucher E from their season-ticket booklet. Bring your booklet with you, not just the voucher - this must be done prior to matchday.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Ticket Office now on 01922 651 414/416. Adult and concessionary tickets can be purchased online via www.saddlers.co.uk, whilst Family Tickets or Group Booking must be made over the telephone or in person.
