Leeds United Women bolstered their ranks with the signing of Ria Montgomery from rivals Huddersfield Town.

The versatile defender, an attack-minded full-back by trade, links up with Simon Wood’s squad as the battle for promotion continues.

Speaking after training with the squad at Thorp Arch, the 25-year-old spoke of her delight in joining the club.

“It feels really good,” Montgomery explained. “The girls have been really welcoming, to be fair. It is exciting. The ambition of the club is really good. It is just really exciting to be here.

“I was really keen to make the move. Just enjoying playing football again is key for me. But it seems like, and from what I have experienced so far, it is a really good environment to be successful.

“Everyone is wanting the same goal. So, it is a really, really good environment to be part of. We have got a big few games coming up as well, so it is exciting.

“Hopefully, the team can get the results that we need to and look to get as high as we can in the table and push on from what they did before Christmas.”

Capable of playing in multiple roles across the pitch, the former Blackburn player believes that adaptability has helped improve her game.

“I started as an attacking player there and then when I signed for Huddersfield, I became a bit more versatile and I have played quite a lot of positions.

“I am now more of a full-back but I can play either side or more forward if I need to, or centre-back. I want to work hard for the team!”

Ria may get a first taste of action with the Whites this weekend as they travel north to face Middlesbrough, in what will be a tough test according to the full-back.

“It is a massive game really” the defender added. “But we just need to be confident in the players we have got and what we can do is work hard as a team.

“I am sure the result will follow with that, but just be confident. We are where we are for a reason and we can beat the teams towards the top.”

Read our match preview HERE.