Liverpool FC Women found themselves in a somewhat precarious position this weekend when substitute goalkeeper Katie Startup was recalled from her loan at parent club Brighton. With Rachael Laws’ usual replacement Rylee Foster indefinitely out of car crash injuries, Liverpool only had one goalkeeper available to play.

The Reds didn’t wait and officially announced the signing of Charlotte Clarke from Derby County. The 21-year-old goaltender has been the Derby County regular this season, helping her team climb to the top of the National League North.

“It’s absolutely surreal to be here – it’s Liverpool, the biggest club in Europe and I’m absolutely amazed and grateful to be here,” Clarke said after writing for the Reds.

“It’s amazing to think of coming here and it’s such an honor. My family was thrilled for me. I started at Derby Women, so it holds a special place in my heart. It was a tough decision to leave but I really want to keep going and get to the top and I really think Liverpool can do it.

“It’s a great opportunity that I will take with both hands. I hope I can become the guardian that I know I can be here. I’m really excited to be working with Rachael, she has years of experience and I’m really excited to learn from her, and really excited to be working with Rylee too.

Joe Potts, Liverpool goalkeeper coach, was delighted to bring in a player who already has good starting experience despite her young age.

“For a young goalie Charlotte has a lot of playing experience which is obviously valuable,” said Potts.

“With the situation we have in the goaltending department, it’s important that we have someone who can fit into playing time if we need to, but who also has the potential to continue – and that’s what we get with Charlotte, so I can’t wait to see how she plays out over the next few months.

Clarke could see the action of the game right away as Liverpool are set to face Burnley in the Vitality Cup on Sunday. Burnley, who plays in the National Northern League, would be a familiar enemy for Clarke. With Liverpool having a midweek fixture against Sunderland ahead of a league game the following Sunday, it would be likely that Clarke would feature in at least one of the cup matches.