Fran Kirby can have a “fantastic” impact for [Albion](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/) this season after retiring from international football.
The former England international has been in good form during pre-season as the clock ticks down towards a new WSL season.
Kirby’s debut campaign at the club saw her help them to a best-ever fifth place.
She was a big part of their flying start to the campaign and their form dipped when she was ruled out in mid-season by an injury suffered with England.
Kirby returned from international football after being advised by Sarina Wiegman that she would not make the final squad for the Euros.
Her decision made plenty of headlines as she watched from a distance as England retained the trophy she had helped them win at home in 2022.
Now all the focus is on club football and Albion head coach Dario Vidosic says she looks in the mood.
Vidosic told The Argus: “She spoke to me as a little bit, just more like a sounding board and I just gave her maybe my advice, not as a coach, not as a Brighton manager because we're always going to be a little bit selfish.
“So, in terms just as a former professional.
“I just said different things as a former player and just tried to stay neutral for her when she was making her decision.
“Sort of gave her the pros and cons of each side.
“In the end there was a decision she came to and she's happy.
“She was cheering for the girls at the tournament.”
There are, however, pluses for Vidosic and his staff.
He said: “It's fantastic that she stays with us.
“Also throughout those international breaks with the young players.
“Usually we have a lot of senior players out on international duty so then we like to bring in a lot of young players for an opportunity to train.
“To have the opportunity to train with Fran and to be around her, it’s just invaluable experience for those players.
“From our perspective, we're selfish. We're all really happy but it was one that she came to.
“I'm sure it wasn't an overnight decision. She was thinking about it for a while and she felt that it was the right time.”