'It was nice to get on the scoresheet' - Cork's Denise O'Sullivan nets for Liverpool six minutes into her debut

Despite having only officially joining the Merseyside giants on Saturday, O’Sullivan went straight into their starting line-up to make her full debut on Sunday.

INSTANT IMPACT: Denise O'Sullivan celebrates scoring for Liverpool just six minutes into her debut. Pic: Liverpool Women's FC.

It didn’t take Denise O’Sullivan long to make an impact at Liverpool.

In fact, it took the Cork native just six minutes as she scored the opening goal for the Reds in their 6-0 Women’s FA Cup fourth round victory over the London Bees at the Hive

Despite having only officially joined the Merseyside giants on Saturday, O’Sullivan went straight into their starting line-up to make her full debut on Sunday.

And just six minutes into her first appearance, the playmaker expertly turned a cross from the end-line past the keeper at her near post before she was later withdrawn in the 72nd minute with her side leading 4-0.

"Denise's experience helps the team as well and I think she'll be a really big asset to us," her new manager Gareth Taylor told the club's website afterwards.

"I think it was a decent performance from the girls. We were never really sure with how they would come in terms of their setup, but they went into a low block quite early in the game.

"That can make it quite difficult but obviously Denise scoring early on really helped us play a little bit more relaxed and less anxious."

The 31-year-old has made the permanent move to Liverpool after eight-and-a-half hugely successful years in the National Women's Soccer League with the North Carolina Courage.

And the Republic of Ireland international has set her sights on scoring more goals in order to help Liverpool climb the Women’s Super League table – they currently sit bottom, winless with just four points after 12 matches - as well as enjoying a good run in the cup.

“It was really good. I think getting out there with the girls and showing what we want to do in the game was nice and to get a feel for that and get some touches on the ball. It was a nice win in the end and I'm proud of the team," said the new Liverpool number six.

“I think out on that left side I was connecting with Ceri [Holland] throughout the game doing one-twos.

“She got on the end of it and crossed it in and I joined in and put it away. I want to get more goals and assists. It was nice to get on the scoresheet but now I have to keep going.

“You have to go out and play the team that's on the pitch. It's always going to be difficult. They sat in a low block and made it tough at times and we had to be patient and that's what Gareth [Taylor] said before the game - just to be patient on the ball and keep it moving and move them around.

“I think we did well and the girls that came on the pitch were excellent. We're looking forward now to the game next week [against Tottenham].

“I've been playing football for years now. To be at Liverpool now, I'm very proud and my family is very proud. I'm really, really happy to be here.”