A HIGHLY promising young woman footballer has put a serious injury behind her and is now aiming to play her way back into the international set up.

Kelsey Pearson, who lives in Cartmel, won three England caps at under 17 level, represented her country in the under 17 Euros and World Cup.

But her career was put on hold when she suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which sidelined her for more than a year.

But after a long battle to recover from the injury, Pearson, who is now 20, is back to full fitness and has returned to the ranks at her club Blackburn Rovers.

"It's been hard work getting back to fitness but it's been worth it," she said.

"I got 90 minutes under my belt when I played at Villa Park last week and it's great to be back."

Born in Flookburgh, Pearson played in mixed team for Milnthorpe Juniors FC up to the age of 14, and after a spell at Blackpool Ladies, she went on to successfully trial at Blackburn.

Her performances with the side caught the eye of an England scout, and she earned a call up to the national side, appearing against Belarus and Norway in the under 17s European Championships and then playing in England's under 17 World Cup clash against eventual winners South Korea.

Pearson's upward curve was halted by that serious ACL injury but the versatile defender, who can play left back or right back, is now firmly back on track at her club, who play in the second tier FA Women's Championship.

She travels to Blackburn for training sessions four times a week and also makes the journey down on match days.

But she said all the travelling was worth it, particularly if it helps achieve her ultimate ambitions of playing in the Women's Premier League and earning a full England cap.