BENARTY football star Lucy Graham has said she feels "overwhelming pride" after being named as Everton's team captain for the season ahead.

The 22-year-old Scotland international, who only joined the Toffees in July, was handed the honour by manager Willie Kirk ahead of their Women's Super League opener at Birmingham City on Sunday, which they won 1-0.

Lucy, who began her football journey with Dunfermline, moved to Merseyside from Bristol City, where she finished top goalscorer during her solitary season in the west country.

The move reunited her with Blues boss Willie Kirk, who worked with the midfielder at Hibernian, with whom she won both the Scottish Cup and Scottish Women's Premier League Cup, and played in the Champions League.

Everton academy graduate, Dan Turner, will remain as their club captain as part of what they said was a "leadership restructure" and, speaking to their website about her new role, Lucy said: "To be honest, it came as a shock to begin with, but it's just overwhelming pride to be honest.

"At 22-years-old, and captaining a side, it is a real responsibility, but with that responsibility comes challenges. I think to grow as a person and a player, I think you need to accept those challenges and put yourself out of your comfort zone, so I'm looking forward to it.

"I just like to help people, whether that be on the pitch or off the pitch. I'm a very honest and respectable person I feel, so I guess that's some of my qualities, and if I can help the group go from strength-to-strength on the pitch, then that would be even better."

Lucy, who was an unused substitute in Scotland's recent 8-0 win over Cyprus in their opening Euro 2021 qualifying match, added: "With the new role of captaincy, there's more responsibilities, so I guess looking after players' welfare on the pitch and off the pitch is something I'll try and take in my stride.

"For me personally, I want to maintain the goals I had from last season, but also add a few assists in there.

"We've got great quality throughout the squad, so if I can help other people flourish and get some goals, that would be even better."