Shaw relishing prospect of fever-pitch Hammarby atmosphere | OneFootball

Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw says the prospect of facing a vociferous 20,000 plus crowd in Thursday’s latest UEFA Women’s Champions League clash at Hammarby is an ‘exciting’ challenge to relish.

City will kick-off against the Swedish hosts lying top of Group D having won all three of our European group games to date – the latest of which was last week’s 2-0 success over Hammarby at the Joie Stadium.

The Swedes are renowned for their passionate and extensive fanbase and brought a large and loud contingent over to the Joie Stadium for last Tuesday's encounter.

Thursday’s return visit of Gareth Taylor’s side to Scandinavia has captured widespread attention which has been reflected in bumper advance ticket sales.

With more than 20,000 fans expected, it promises to be a lively and passionate atmosphere but looking ahead to the game, the City and Jamaica striker said that was a scenario to savour and feed off.

“For us as a group, we’ve been in positions where we’re playing in front of massive crowds,” Shaw pointed out.

“We have that experience, and we’re used to it.

WATCH: Highlights | City 2-0 Hammarby

“It’s their home so it’s going to be different of course. But we have the quality and experience to handle this kind of situation.

“[We are] definitely excited. Even in the last game, they brought the crowd, and we were talking about it and saying next week is going to be crazy and we’re definitely looking forward to it.

“[We have] been in this position before but we’ll go out and do what we always try and do, to get the job done.”

Looking ahead to the game, Shaw is also expecting to come under close scrutiny tomorrow and is anticipating a fierce physical battle for supremacy.

However, she said that was the type of challenge she thrived on – and one which could also help her City team-mates.

WATCH: Watch: Ask me anything with Bunny Shaw

“I think for the type of player I am, I expect those challenges and battles,” Shaw added.

“I enjoy them to be fair - especially when I come out at the end of them.

“For me, I try to do the best I can at the top end of the pitch and help the team.

“If they're focusing on me for those types of reasons, other players might be free and open in different positions.

“Ultimately, it’ll benefit the team at the end of the day.”