Keira Walsh says she would love to adopt traits of David Silva’s game into her own.

The midfielder and lifelong City fan, who penned a new long-term contract with the Club in February, has already introduced a creative spark to her play, adding another string to her already-impressive bow.

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DAVID SILVA | Made in Gran Canaria

Although she admits she would like to contribute more directly by scoring more goals, Walsh has played an influential part in City’s success in the final third with pinpoint assists, crafted with her superb technical ability.

Having passed mercurial maestro Silva in the City Football Academy on her way to sign her new deal, the 22-year-old hopes the encounter with her hero will prove a good omen and help her to reach a new level of attacking flair.

“I walked past David Silva – my favourite ever player – when I was on my way up to sign a new contract,” she explained.

“I’m hoping it’s an omen and that I can take his game into mine.

“I want to try to score more goals. That’s something I need to work on.

“Georgia Stanway is always giving me banter about that because she’s the Goalscoring Queen!

“She tells me I have to have more shots. That’s an improvement I need in my game: more assists and more goals – that’s what wins games.

“Hopefully, I’ll get one in the Derby. That’s my aim!”

Having cemented her spot in the City and England starting line-ups, Walsh has been tipped to achieve great things, with many touting the midfielder a potential future captain for Club and country.

Reflecting on her personal form, which has earned commendation from her managers and teammates – hailing her a key cog in their machine – Walsh however remains humble, admitting she prefers to stay out of the limelight.

“It’s always nice to hear positive things said about me but we all share the opinion that in this squad, there are a lot of good players – the onus does not fall on one player to be outstanding,” she stated.

“I’m lucky to be playing alongside top players. I play well if my teammates are doing their jobs.

“I try not to read things about me – I don’t like to get ahead of myself. I’ve got good people behind-the-scenes who help to keep my feet grounded.

“For me, I’m just focused on the enjoyment of the game and nothing else – not the results outside or selections or anything like that. I’m not on social media as much as I used to be and I don’t listen to what people are saying about me.

“I’m quite happy being behind-the-scenes, off-camera. I don’t really think of myself as a role model… but if girls watching me want to take a bit of my game and put it into their own and get a bit of inspiration from the team, that’s important and it’s a good feeling.

“It’s a good sign that girls are getting move involved in football and it’s vital for them to have role models. I’m happy that I can be part of that.

“I just focus on each game as it comes, trying to help the team, and if I play well, it’s a bonus.”