Lauren Hemp is proud of the progress Norfolk football has made as she prepares for her homecoming ahead of the Lionesses facing Ireland at Carrow Road on Friday.

The Manchester City winger, originally from North Walsham, had to leave the county as a teenager to pursue her dreams of making it at the top level. 

Now a European champion with her country, she returns to Norfolk with excitement. At a pre-match press conference on Friday morning, she reflected on her route to the top of the women's game and spoke with delight at the increased opportunities now available to budding young female footballers in the region. 

"I'm so excited to be back home. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. It's nice seeing the pitch again, and I'm really excited for the game tomorrow," the England winger said. 

"It's very special for me. I wasn't surprised when I saw that it was sold out after not very long. I've been here before at a packed-out Carrow Road, and the atmosphere has been amazing. I'm looking forward to that being the case tomorrow. 

"North Walsham holds a special place in my heart, and so does Norwich as well; it's where I grew up. 

"I had to move away from home at the age of 16 to chase my dream of being a professional footballer, but now it's amazing to be able to come back and see how many girls football teams there are that weren't there when I was younger. 

"Hopefully there will be plenty of little Lauren Hemps there tomorrow." 

Hemp is a Norwich City fan and used to attend Carrow Road as a supporter during her youth with her family still having strong roots in Norfolk. 

Lauren Hemp is back in Norfolk ahead of the Lionesses' Carrow Road clash with Ireland on Friday.Lauren Hemp is back in Norfolk ahead of the Lionesses' Carrow Road clash with Ireland on Friday. (Image: PA Images)

She is hoping to make her homecoming one to remember as she targets a goal and a crucial Lionesses victory as their bid to qualify for the European Championships continues. 

"It would be a dream come true," Hemp said. "To win would be amazing, and that's our aim for tomorrow. I grew up here and used to play around the back of the stadium. It's so nice to be back. 

"Looking back, there are obviously a lot of people along the way that I need to thank for getting me where I am today and it all starts from being here."