Katie Davies emerged during an era where North Wales produced some true greats

Today marks the 37th birthday of a former international footballer who must rank as one of North Wales’ finest ever.

Katie Davies, known for most of her career by maiden name Williams, landed 20 caps for Wales.

Born on May 24, 1984, classy central defender Katie first made her mark for the Bangor City Girls side she represented between 1998-2004 and won the Welsh Cup with in 2001-02.

She opened the scoring in a 4-2 win over Newport Strikers in the final at Caersws before having to deputise in goal for the injured Nicky Davies.

Katie moved on to play for Tranmere Rovers between 2004-07 and Blackburn Rovers (2007-09).

She spent the 2008 off-season in the American W-League with Fredericksburg Lady Gunners, but suffered a damaged cruciate ligament.

On her recovery she joined Liverpool, where she remained until 2011.

Katie won six caps for Wales at U19 level before making her senior debut in a 3-2 Algarve Cup win over Portugal in March 2004.

She received her first call up for the senior squad on her 18th birthday and was part of the set up for seven years, earning those 20 caps.

Katie suffered an ACL tear in about 2011 so ended up having to take a step back and quit international football.

She later joined Caernarfon Town, where she won the North Wales League title in 2016-17, scoring eight goals.

Having two older sisters and a twin brother who all played football when they were younger, it was only natural that Katie got hooked on the game.

The first ladies team she joined was Bangor City aged 14. An impressive side, they finished second in the Northern Premier League as well as winning the Welsh Cup three times, the latter occasion with Katie involved as described earlier.

Although best known as a defender, Katie was always a versatile player and she credits much of that to Keith Fearns, the long-serving women’s football coach who guided her development at Bangor.

She rates her best-ever goal as an 18-yard rocket header into the top corner in an FA Cup quarter-final for Liverpool against Chelsea.

Another major career highlight came in 2005-06, when she featured for Wales in a 7-0 thrashing of Estonia, which meant the team progressing to the higher tier for qualification.

She also fondly recalls lining up against Germany when they were world champions and having to mark Birgit Prinze (214 caps and 128 goals for her country).

Married to Huw since 2016 and now a mother-of-two, this all-time great still retains a keen interest in football.

Happy birthday Katie – thanks for a tremendous career where you inspired and impressed so many.