Liverpool add Danish defender Pedersen

Liverpool LFC have signed defender Nina Pedersen as they build for their UEFA Women's Champions League debut.

Winning their first FA Women's Super League (WSL) title last year, Liverpool will make their European bow in the round of 32 in October and in Pedersen have added a Danish Under-23 international, who has been playing for American college side California Golden Bears. Her debut could come on 29 June when Liverpool resume their WSL campaign at home to Arsenal LFC; four games into the season the Reds are fourth, two points behind leaders Birmingham City LFC.

"I heard of the club's interest about a month ago and was very excited," Pedersen said. "I have always wanted to play football in England and the WSL is a very competitive, exciting league so to join Liverpool was a massive opportunity that I could not turn down. Ever since I was a youngster, it was a dream to be a professional footballer so I am delighted to be able to achieve this with Liverpool."

Pedersen, who declared herself a fan of Liverpool FC's Danish central defender Daniel Agger, added: "I know Katrin [Ómarsdóttir] from my university in California as she also attended the same university and Katrin has had nothing but positive things to say about the club. Katrin also told me of the fantastic support the players receive from the fans so I cannot wait to make my debut against Arsenal in Widnes on 29 June."