Arsenal boss Renee Slegers backs Olivia Smith to build on impressive debut

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers believes there is plenty more to come from £1million signing Olivia Smith.

Canada forward Smith, who became the first female player to command a seven-figure fee after arriving from Liverpool, marked her Gunners debut with a stunning goal in last weekend’s 4-1 win over London City Lionesses.

Arsenal continue the new Women’s Super League season away to West Ham on Friday evening.

“I’m really impressed with her and she adds new things to our game with the type of player she is,” Slegers said of the 21-year-old.

“We’re really happy with what she’s bringing to us and she’s also very young still, so what’s important for us now is that we support her really well.

“We see so much potential and she’s already contributing a lot.”

Arsenal, who remain without injured England captain Leah Williamson, won the Champions League last term but finished 12 points adrift of WSL winners Chelsea.

Slegers hopes Smith can help close the gap.

“What we want to do is build so many layers in our game that we bring to a game whatever is asked of us and whatever is needed,” said the Dutch coach.

“We’re really close to that now and Liv is definitely a good addition in that sense.”

West Ham are bidding to bounce back from Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Tottenham.

“We believe in ourselves and our qualities but we’ll go there with humility because we know it’s a hard game and we have things to prove,” said Slegers.

Manchester City host Brighton in Friday’s other fixture.

City captain Alex Greenwood is back in training after being replaced late on in last week’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea but summer signing Grace Clinton is unlikely to be involved.

Head coach Andree Jeglertz said: “She’s progressing slowly, but isn’t ready yet. We don’t think (she will play).”