Rangers women defender Leah Eddie says she’s finally beginning to feel like herself again after returning from a frustrating spell on the sidelines, and believes today’s SWPL match at Ibrox against Hamilton Accies offers the perfect chance for the squad to reset before the international break.
The centre-back has had a phased return in recent weeks after a difficult start to the season that saw her deal with two separate injuries, including a concussion during pre-season and a torn soleus muscle picked up just as she was preparing to return.
“It’s been really nice to be back,” Eddie said. “Being out early in the season is hard, you just want to be on the pitch with the team.
“But I’m building up my minutes now and it feels good.”
The summer disruption made it difficult for Eddie to prove herself under new manager Leanne Crichton, especially after missing a large chunk of pre-season.
“I had a concussion in pre-season which kept me out for two weeks,” she explained. “Then in the week I was meant to return, I tore my soleus. We didn’t think it would be that bad, but the scan showed six or seven weeks out. We had to take it carefully.”
Having experienced long-term layoffs earlier in her career, including her first spell at Ibrox before her departure for Hibernian and eventual return to Rangers, Eddie said previous challenges helped her cope, though the concussion brought a new type of frustration.
“I’d never had a concussion before, and you don’t know what symptoms might flare up. That was harder to deal with mentally.
“But having the right support, still being around the girls in the gym and meetings, made a difference.”
Eddie says new head coach Crichton, a former Scotland international, has had a strong influence since stepping in on a permanent basis.
She explained: “Her attention to detail is huge, especially because she’s played in this league.
“She knows the opposition really well and the fine tactical details are something we thrive on going into games.”
With new defensive arrivals such as loanee Jess Pegram and Li Mengwen, making her debut at the weekend, Eddie believes internal competition is making the squad stronger.
“It’s healthy competition,” she said. “Li was brilliant in her first start, and Jess coming in gives us more depth. We all help each other.”
Rangers come into Sunday’s match off the back of two narrow defeats to title rivals Glasgow City and Hib, with Eddie confident the team can respond at Ibrox before the league pauses for the international break.
“It’s just been one goal in it,” she said. “Being back at Ibrox, training on the grass, everyone’s looking forward to it and we want to go into the break strong.”
Playing at Ibrox still feels special for many in the squad, especially those who grew up as supporters: “Loads of players are Rangers fans and playing there in front of family is massive.
“We want to build on last season and make sure we’re getting results when we play there.”