TEEN sensation Fran Stenson revealed how she had taken up goalkeeping by chance following her Women’s Super League debut in front of the BBC cameras.

The Hallow-based 16-year-old was called into action for Birmingham City Ladies when German stopper Ann-Katrin Berger was forced off through injury during their clash with Everton.

Stenson shrugged off shipping a goal within 54 seconds to produce a solid display, saving a handful of attempts as Blues saw through a 2-1 triumph in front of more than 800 fans and thousands of red button and online viewers.

After starting out with Warndon Villages and Droitwich Spa, the former Christopher Whitehead Language College pupil joined West Bromwich Albion before being head-hunted by City.

Recalling her formative years on the local scene, Stenson said: “It was really good and helped me a lot because at first I was not a keeper.

“It turned out that I needed to play in goal for one match and everything went from there.”

Stenson spent two years in the Blues Ladies Regional Talent Club and now continues her education at Solihull College alongside her duties with the first team and development squads.

Capped by England at under-15, under-16 and under-17 levels, she was named on the bench for City’s WSL curtain raiser at Arsenal before earning her bow seven days later.

“I felt like it went really well. I was a bit nervous at the start but once I got past that I thought I did alright,” said Stenson of her debut.

“As soon as Ann went down you could see she was in pain so I got ready to go on straight away. I had a few butterflies but as soon as I went on the pitch the adrenaline kicked in and I just wanted to play well and help the team.

“The goal was a mistake from me so I knew I had to pick myself up and carry on but I was happy with it all after that.”

The display also earned plaudits from Blues boss Marc Skinner.

“To come on at the tender age of 16 and make your first team debut is fantastic,” he said. “They put her under a lot of pressure but she stood up to it.

"Goalkeepers have to have a strong psychology and we don’t talk about that enough.”

But even after her moment in the spotlight Stenson was quick to recognise the support of parents Bill and Jane Stenson and Blues coach Andy Elleray.

“I just want to continue on this path and play for Blues. I have England as well, I am really proud of that, but Blues are in my heart,” said Stenson.

“The club plays really good football, the coaches are great and the players are really nice. I have only been training with the first team since the end of the summer but being here has brought me on a lot.

“I’d like to thank everyone that has helped me. My parents, all of my coaches and friends and family. Andy has been helping me for about three years and if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am now.”