Nikita Parris named Everton Ladies Player of the year

Striker Nikita Parris has been named Everton Ladies Player of the Year.





The Centre of Excellence graduate had a breakthrough season in 2013, notching six league goals, including several Goal of the Season contenders as she firmly established herself in Andy Spence’s starting XI.



She was presented with her award at St George’s Hall by Leon Osman and Romelu Lukaku before she spoke to evertontv of her pride at receiving the accolade.



"It means so much to be named Player of the Year," she said. "When it is chosen by your team-mates, it makes it even more special.



"It was a transitional year for us in 2013. But we have started the season well this year and hopefully we can add some silverware."



Having made her debut in the Champions League back in the 2010/11 campaign, Parris has become a vital part of the Blues’ attack, either from the wide positions or through the middle.



She also has extensive international experience for England at youth level, having made her debut for the Under-19s aged just 16.



To date, Parris has 16 goals in 21 games for the Under-19s, and captained them to the final of the 2013 Under-19 European Championships, where they lost narrowly to France. She has also recently broken through into the Under-23s.



This year, she has been handed the number nine shirt at Everton and has responded to the responsibility of leading in attack with two goals in her opening six games.