FRAN KIRBY revealed she is still rebuilding her confidence after being told she may never play football again due to a rare heart condition.
The Chelsea and England star, 27, has been on fire since her return, hitting twice in all three of the Blues’ top-flight games so far this season.
Kirby was diagnosed with pericarditis – and inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the heart – in November.
She made an emotional return to football in the Blues’ win over Manchester City in the Community Shield at the end of August.
The West Londoners are preparing to defend their Continental Cup trophy against last year’s finalists, Arsenal, in their opening tie on Wednesday.
And the strike sensation told Chelsea’s official website : “I feel 100 per cent fit. I wouldn’t be playing if I didn’t,
“That’s the most important thing I’ve learned over my career. I need to make sure that I’m looking after myself and that every time I step on the pitch I’m 100 per cent ready to go.
“I’m feeling really good, so hopefully I can keep building on that and I’ve properly pushed myself to the limit this year. I’m in a really good place.
“When I know that we’ve got so many good players who can come into the game and make an impact, it’s exciting for me to be a part of and I want to keep growing and building my confidence.”
Some clubs will be streaming the games live and the FA Player will have all matches available to fans for the day after.
Group Stage 1 of the Continental Cup
Wednesday, October 7
Liverpool v Manchester United – 2pm
Tottenham Hotspur v London City Lionesses – 3.30pm
Chelsea v Arsenal – 7pm
Durham v Coventry United – 7pm
Manchester City v Everton – 7pm
Aston Villa v Sheffield United, 7.30pm
Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United – 7.30pm
Reading v Charlton Athletic – 7.30pm
Bristol City v London Bees – 7.30pm
Lewes v Crystal Palace – 7.45pm
Thursday, October 8
Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham City – 7.45pm
