Georgie Ghirl

Georgie Rafferty is revelling in her new-found fervour - on and off the pitch

- Mark Henderson

A DELIGHTED Georgie Rafferty admits she’s a player transformed for Celtic Women’s team. The 20-year-old struggled to hold down a place for the Hoops last season but now she’s a mainstay of a watertight backline that has kept five clean sheets in six matches so far in the current campaign.

The roots of her change in fortunes can be traced to making a fresh start during the winter shutdown and a profitable pre-season. A midfielder for most of her youth career, Rafferty took on board the advice of coach, David Haley, and added more aggression to her game to become more of a commanding centre-half.

Impressive performances before the campaign got underway saw her elevated to the starting XI, and Rafferty hasn’t looked back. The more matches the defender has featured in, the more her confidence has blossomed.

Despite her busy schedule of university study, work and football, the former Scottish youth internationalist feels in control and is excited about being part of a successful season with Haley’s side.

In two weeks, they have the opportunity to seal their place in the first showpiece of the season when they face Forfar in the League Cup semi-finals at the Falkirk Stadium. But the Celts want to ensure they head into that contest on a high by harvesting three points away to Hamilton Accies in Sunday’s league encounter.

Here, an upbeat Rafferty caught up with the View to reveal her personal delight at the season so far and chat about the upcoming challenges for the Ghirls.

You’ve started every match this season. What has changed for you?