Exclusive - ‘Shy’ Man City star Laura Coombs on being a role model on International Women's Day

Laura Coombs has fought her way into a regular starting XI role within Manchester City this season whilst also making a return to the international stage with England, seven years after her previous cap.

After a stellar campaign to date with City and England’s Lionesses, Laura Coombs told MEN she is learning to adjust to the spotlight that comes with playing top-level football for both club and country.

The 32-year-old admitted: “It was a real surreal moment” when she spotted a child with Coombs on the back of their shirt in the crowds, but enjoys seeing the ever-growing fanbase. When asked if she thought she would be inspiring the first generation of young girls who can see football as a career, she revealed: “To be honest, no, I think that's still new to me.

“But I'm so proud that the game is going in another direction and just so happy that so many young girls and boys are getting the opportunity to take off football and knowing that they could have a career and they could really go somewhere.

“For me, I'm actually quite a shy person. So it really takes me out of my comfort zone. Meeting a lot of new people and everyone knows who you are. Which is a really weird feeling but it's so nice. Everyone's always so complimentary. It means a lot to people and that actually makes me happy.”

On a club level, manager Gareth Taylor revealed Manchester City have an alternative approach to leadership within the changing rooms but Coombs said: “Across the board, at City, everyone is so professional, so driven and I think it's it makes it easy for me to want to step up and want to be the best version and player I can be.

“You've got girls who are constantly going above and beyond doing extra. I can think of so many, but probably