Stokes calls for strong end to debut Women's Championship campaign | OneFootball

The 33-year-old joined from Manchester City Women in the summer and instantly earned the respect of her team-mates and head coach Becky Langley, as she was tasked with leading the Lasses out on the opening day of the season against London City Lionesses.

Stokes was limited to just 113 league minutes over the two seasons prior to joining United, so to have started every game this season has allowed her to demonstrate that she's got plenty left to give.

"I'm just so happy that I'm back playing and enjoying my football once again," Stokes told newcastleunited.com.

"I've been able to show physically I am still capable of playing at a high level, regardless of my age.

"Now it's important that I keep my level of performance up and look after my body so that I can continue to help the team wherever I can."

The Dudley-born defender reflected on her time thus far in black and white, with this weekend's opponents being the side she debuted against in September.

Stokes was captain for the reverse fixture and while she reflects fondly on that moment, not picking up all three points sticks in her mind.

"It was a great moment for me and an enjoyable experience to make my debut for Newcastle United," she recalled.

"To be handed the opportunity to lead the team out on the opening day of the season, of course, was a nice feeling for me and a good moment in my career.

"I think as a team we've come on leaps and bounds since we last played London City, and to be honest, we were disappointed to not come away with a win.

"I always say to the girls that nobody beats us in the league; when we've lost it's because we've let ourselves down in moments because I believe on our day, we're an incredibly capable side."

With only five games left to play this season, Stokes is keen for everyone to remain focused and ensure that the Magpies finish the season strongly.

While Newcastle currently sit sixth in what is their debut season in the Barclays Women's Championship, United's number three is continuing to block out any outside noise.

"There are only a handful of games left but we can dictate how our season finishes," she insisted. "Of course, we enjoyed last Sunday, but it means nothing if we don't turn up and perform this weekend.

"We'll always have people talking about us and writing us off, but I just keep thinking of where Newcastle United have come from, to where they are now is incredible.

"The club has grown very quickly and perhaps even quicker than some may have anticipated.

"It's all about not paying too much attention to the outside and just focusing on what the coaches say, what we say and think as players and what goes on within the four walls when we're together."

The 69-cap Lioness is aware of the threat London City pose on the pitch as they sit just four points off top spot but was equally as keen to highlight United's big threats ahead of Sunday's clash.

"We know what they're good at and how they like to play quick football through the lines and on the counter-attack," she added.

"It's about being set up in the right way because we know we can play good football and have got some fast and dangerous players at the top end of the pitch, so it'll come down to who turns up on the day."