The Academy Stadium encounter forms part of the wider Women’s Football Weekend initiative launched by the FA to encourage football fans to attend a women’s game at any level of the pyramid on Saturday 16 or Sunday 17 November.
City play host to West Ham United in a 12:30pm kick-off at the Academy Stadium on the Sunday, targeting another historic crowd attendance, having smashed the FA Women’s Super League record with 31,000 watching the first professional Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium back in September.
Campbell and her City colleagues will be looking to build on our 2-1 Continental Cup triumph over Birmingham last time which preceded the November international break.
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And the Republic of Ireland defender is set to come up against familiar opposition in the shape of Hammers duo Leanne Kiernan and Courtney Brosnan – both Irish national team-mates of hers.
Furthermore, Campbell will also coming up against former City striker Tessel Middag, a player who, like Campbell, has made a successful recovery from a long-term ACL injury.
For her part, Campbell says she is already eagerly looking forward to renewing acquaintances with the trio.
“It will be unbelievable to see Tessa,” Campbell declared.
“We were going through the same injury, which is never nice, and she had to go through it all over again in a small amount of time
“I’ve seen how hard she’s worked ever since. She showed mental strength but also an ability to block things out to get back.
“As a footballer, football is your life – it’s all you want to do – so you do anything to get back.
“She’s someone I look up to because when I did my knee, I knew she’d done it before me, and I was able to take some things from her strength and mentality.
“Leanne Kiernan and Courtney Brosnan are international team-mates and it will be nice to see them.
“Me and Tyler (City and Republic of Ireland colleague Tyler Toland) will want to be on the winning side but it’s always nice when friends and colleagues come up to play.
“Leanne came on in the FA Cup final and caused us problems so we’re well aware of her.
“Courtney always start in goal and she’s kept them in a lot of games.
“They’re two hard players to play against but we’re looking forward to it.”
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Now back to full fitness after her long-term lay-off, Campbell gave another commanding performance in our Conti Cup victory over Birmingham last time out.
But the main mantra for Campbell is to play her part in constantly seeking to improve and helping the team’s quest for honours.
“For me, it’s just about training well week in, week out so that I’m selected in the team,” the defender added.
“If not, I’m there for the team if I’m needed and called upon.
“I’m always pushing to play – I always want to play – and I’ve missed too much not to be playing consistently.
“If I’m consistent in training, I’ll be given the opportunity and that’s where I’m going to grow.
“I’m looking forward to being back amongst the team consistently.”
City are back in FA Women’s Super League action against West Ham on November 17th. Kick-off at the Academy Stadium is 12.30pm and tickets are available.
