The Barrow-born 21-year-old was employed in the unfamiliar defence role in the victories over Birmingham and Manchester United, standing in for the injured Aoife Mannion and fellow attacker Janine Beckie, who is currently away on international duty with Canada.
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Though admired for her attacking prowess – particularly her impressive shooting accuracy from range – Stanway has been required to adapt her game for the benefit of the team, and Cushing has been pleased with the youngster’s contribution.
“I thought she played well,” he reflected, following Saturday’s FA Women’s Cup triumph over Manchester United.
“Aoife Mannion is our right-back but she’s injured and Matilde Fidalgo isn’t ready yet – she’s come in to the English league from the Portuguese league, which is a huge step.
“She’ll be ready – whether that’s towards the back end of this season or next season.
“Until then, we have to find a solution. We like to build up and having midfielders playing at right-back has helped us.
“I thought she was very good in possession (against United). We just need to teach her to defend.
“She defended well against a very good winger in Kirsty Hanson. She has the ability to adapt and she’s been everywhere for us.
“She’s a very good player.”
Marking Cushing’s penultimate game in charge of the Club before he departs for New York, City travel to Arsenal in the Continental Cup semi-finals tonight (7:30pm) in a repeat of last season’s final.
The holders have kicked off 2020 in sensational form with five wins from five, including Saturday’s five-goal Manchester Derby victory, bagging 16 goals.
With his final game welcoming the Gunners to the Academy Stadium in a must-win, top-of-the-table clash, Cushing could not have chosen a more challenging set of final fixtures, and is pleased to have started this testing week with a victory.
“This farewell tour is going on forever and ever!” he joked. “We know it’s an important week with the FA Cup, Conti Cup semi-final and huge league game.
“I stood here (in the mixed zone) after we lost consecutively to Atletico Madrid, United and Arsenal in October. We lost all three so it was a huge plus to win the first one of a similar period this time.
“It meant Monday was a lot easier; the mood and enthusiasm is good. We know it’s difficult going away to Arsenal but for me, we were good when we played them last time.
“We’ve beaten them before; they’ve beaten us. I expect it will be another game like Saturday in that the best team on the day will win.”
Follow the game live on Twitter @ManCityWomen, or via the FA Player. City and Arsenal lock horns again on Sunday 2 February (2pm) at the Academy Stadium with tickets available to buy online or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
