Michelle Heyman praises Canberra United debutant Jessika Nash

The Junior Matilda has left a lasting impression on Heyman and the W-League club following her first preseason in Canberra, having forced her way into United's starting side on debut.

Nash, who led Australia at the 2019 AFC under-16's championships, made 51 touches and won six out of six duels in Canberra's 4-3 win over Adelaide United on Wednesday night.

Heyman, a 61-capped Matilda, has no doubt the teenager will shine throughout her first W-League season and has already earmarked her as a future Australian football star.

Because in a career that's taken her to W-League glory and pinnacle events, Heyman has never seen a player show Nash's level of confidence and leadership at her age.

"She's my little star player, I'm going to take that one under my wing. I think she is going to be something special for the W-League and hopefully for the Matildas," Heyman said.

"The way she holds herself for a 16-year-old girl, being able to put herself up against W-League players who have played for the Matildas, she's doing really well for herself.

"Just to see that confidence in the backline, being a leader at her age, it's ridiculous. I've never seen that.

"She is, at every single training session, trying her hardest, working as hard as possible and giving that positive attitude. She's definitely the player to watch this year."

MORE UNITED NEWS

Nash will be looking to build on her W-League debut when United meet reigning champions Melbourne City at Viking Park on Sunday.

She's been named in Vicki Linton's 18-strong squad for the round-two clash, which includes the promotion of local products Jessie Rasschaert and Sasha Grove.

Rado Vidosic's outfit has changed greatly from last season's double-winning roster, having lost the bulk of their international players to overseas clubs and COVID-19 complications.

Matildas Emma Checker and Alex Chidiac have returned to the club but will be unavailable to play this weekend due to injury and quarantine measures.

Jenna McCormick and goalkeeper Teagan Micah will likely start for City after being named in the W-League's team of the week for round one, with the former also captaining the side.

The new-look side held Brisbane Roar to a nil-all draw on Tuesday, with Linton saying their system is similar to last season and Canberra is prepared for that challenge.

"I think the come-from-behind win holds us in good stead. I suppose what we want to do is start the game the way we finished that last one," Linton said.

"They are the reigning champions with a really different player list, so we have to keep that in mind. They're well coached, well organised and a very different team from last year."

W-LEAGUE ROUND TWO

Sunday: Canberra United v Melbourne City at Viking Park, 4.05pm

Canberra United team list: 1. Keeley Richards (gk), 2. Emma Ilijoski, 4. Kendell Fletcher (c), 5. Lauren Keir, 6. Bianca Galic, 7. Rachael Goldstein, 8. Laura Hughes, 9. Demi Koulizakis, 10. Grace Maher, 12. Hayley Taylor-Young, 13. Paige Satchell, 14. Jessie Rasschaert, 15. Jessika Nash, 18. Izzy Foletta, 19. Nicki Flannery, 20. Sasha Grove, 22. Sally James (gk), 23. Michelle Heyman. *two to be omitted.

Melbourne City team list: 1. Teagan Micah (gk), 2. Teigan Allen, 5. Tori Tumeth, 7. Julia Sardo, 8. Hollie Palmer, 10. Chinatsu Kira, 11. Rhali Dobson, 12. Harriet Withers, 13. Sarah Cain, 14. Margot Robinne, 17. Sam Johnson, 18. Leah Davidson, 19. Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, 20. Lia Muldeary, 21 Jenna McCormick (c), 22. Naomi Chinnama, 23. Melissa Barbieri (gk) *1 to be omitted.