Ella Wilson is the latest addition to the Lady Magpies' squad, and the England under-16 full-back can't wait to get started.

Wilson said: "I've been a Newcastle supporter for many years, so it feels great to have joined the club that I have grown up watching. It's going to be a really exciting next few years for the team."

Langley's squad features several young players who have stepped up this season and been handed valuable minutes, and Wilson hopes that she can follow suit and become a key member of the United Women's squad.

"I hope to earn minutes in matches so that I can help the team win the league and earn promotion," Wilson said.

"I also hope I can carry on improving as an individual and as a team, that you will see Newcastle Women climbing further up the divisions."

Previously with Sunderland Ladies and currently on international duty for a game against Norway, Wilson, 16, has been training with the United Women since October and highlighted the influence that manager Langley has had on her development.

Wilson said: "(Langley) is dedicated to the team and has created an environment where everyone wants the same thing.

"She pushes the team in every training session to prepare the right way for each match."

The growth of women's football has been evident over the last decade, with young female players now having more role models than previous generations.

And Wilson said: "Jill Scott is one of my idols. I attended a few of her football camps when I was younger and it was clear to see her commitment and passion, which really inspired us as young girls who wanted to grow up and play for England.

"Lucy Bronze is another one as she is from the North East and is a full-back like me. You will always see her working hard for her team-mates and she plays with a lot of confidence."

Wilson has been involved with England since the age of 13, and the defender believes that her experience will help smooth her transition into women's football.

"(England camps) have helped me develop massively," she said. "It also creates a professional environment that is similar to women's teams in the way you have to prepare, analyse and do tactical work based on the opposition."

Looking ahead to the second half of the season, Wilson has set out her targets. She said: "Hopefully I will make my Newcastle debut before the end of the season.

"Then, I want to continue to grow as a player and become used to playing against senior players. This will help me improve my understanding of the game and will hopefully help me get called up to more England camps in the future."

Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC