North Wales talent Amy gets taste of Uefa Champions League

North Wales girl Amy Richardson had her first experience of UEFA Women’s Champions League football when she made the bench in Celtic’s 3-1 victory over KuPS on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old from Penrhyn Bay, who signed a three-year deal with the SWPL title-holders in June, has been recovering from an injury she picked up in a pre-season friendly in Sweden, but was part of the squad which took on the Finnish side in Lithuania.

She did not get onto the field, but the big-match experience will have done her the world of good.

Saoirse Noonan’s hat-trick inspired Celtic as they came from behind to beat KuPS after extra-time and reach their mini-tournament final at the first stage of Women’s Champions League qualifying.

Roosa Ariyo fired the Kansallinen Liiga champions ahead after 18 minutes, but substitute forward Noonan headed the equaliser after the break before slotting two more in added time.

Celtic will face hosts Gintra in Saturday’s final.

Left-sided defender Amy, who started playing football at the age of 6. developed her talents through representing Glanwydden FC, Llandudno Girls, Penrhyn Bay Girls, then Llandudno Boys Academy alongside the FAW North Trust Academy.

Formerly with Liverpool Academy, she earned a one-year training contract with Manchester United where she trained with the under 16’s and U21’s. From there she moved to Everton, where she stayed for two years before joining Celtic.

Amy has represented Wales up to under-19 level and was recently part of a full senior camp.

Her next aim will be to get some first team minutes with Celtic under her belt.