FORMER captain Rachel Corsie is to rejoin Glasgow City on loan ahead of next month's UEFA Women's Champions League games against Chelsea.
City head coach Scott Booth broke the news to his players in training last night and the signing is a significant boost for the Scottish champions ahead of the round of 32 ties. The central defender will arrive before City's league match against Hibs on October 4, with the away leg against Chelsea four days later.
"We knew that Rachel was potentially interested in coming back to the club so it was a very easy decision to make," said City club manager Laura Montgomery.
"She was a very good captain for us and played for the club for five and a half years. She was the supporters' player of the year at Notts County last season and broke into the Seattle team, which has been the best in the United States this season, with relative ease.
"That shows her qualities as a player and we are very much aware of her leadership abilities as well.
"When a player like that becomes available you don't think twice, and it's a bonus that we know she will fit in easily because of her earlier time at the club."
Although Corsie will be available for the Hibs game, it is more likely that she will make her debut against Chelsea. Seattle, who won the National Women's Soccer League regular season title, have to play fierce rivals FC Kansas City in the play-off final on October 1.
As that is a late evening kick off, it's highly unlikely City would risk their new signing less than 72 hours after such a tough match, followed by a trip across the Atlantic.
Corsie would, however, be available for City's final two league games, as well as the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers - which falls between the Chelsea ties - and the final if the holders, as expected, get through.
Seattle have an option on Corsie for a further season, and given that the central defender has been a regular in the side for most of the season she is likely to return there next March.
City, meanwhile, will urge fans to bring non-perishable food to their home tie against Chelsea at the Excelsior on October 14.
The club have committed to play for a further three seasons at Airdrie's ground, and have agreed a partnership with the town's foodbank throughout that period.
The first cash and food collection will be at the Champions League game.
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