Watford Ladies must maintain their modesty if they are to challenge for promotion in Women’s Super League Two, according to young defender Renee Hector.

The Golden Girls begin their WSL2 campaign on Wednesday with a home match against Millwall Lionesses.

The Hornets narrowly missed out on winning the Women’s Premier League title last season but Hector believes the confidence the squad gained from that campaign will be invaluable.

“We’re in a good place but we need to make sure we keep our modesty and work hard in every match,” she said.

“We are confident though and, because there is more exposure, we know more about the squads we’ll face this season which should help us. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

Hector broke into the first team at the age of 16, initially as a replacement for the injured Shelby Hills.

However, she established her place in the side and was named last season’s Most Improved Player.

She admits the forthcoming campaign will be a step-up in quality but the defender is looking forward to the challenge.

Hector, who spent three months on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion last year, believes the Women’s Super League will improve the profile of the women’s game, especially with matches being broadcast on BT Sport.

“I’m only 18 and I wouldn’t have thought a couple of years ago that I would now be playing in the Women’s Super League,” she said.

“There are a lot of players that I’ll come up against, and who I’ve played in pre-season, who I look up to as a young player. So it’s very exciting and it will be a great experience for us.

“A lot of our squad have been here for a few years and the last two seasons have definitely made us closer.

“I’ve been here longer than most which is strange as I’m one of the youngest. But we all have a really good bond because we’ve made the same journey together.”

  • Watford forward Sarah Wiltshire played 90 minutes for Wales in their 1-1 draw with Ukraine in their Women’s World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.