England football star Jill Scott has been named on the New Years honours list for an MBE for her contribution to the women's game.

The well-loved Sunderland born midfielder, who is also currently part of the Manchester City Women's football team was among the sporting names recognised in this year's list. This is an excellent achievement for Jill Scott after considering giving up football as a youngster. 

She told the PA news agency: "There have been tough times - I remember going away on an England camp when I was 14, and I never got selected then for four years.

"It was challenging because a couple of my teammates were being picked. Standing here now, I think I've got 146 caps for England, so I'm glad I made that decision not to quit.

"I was about six or seven when I first started, and it was always me playing for boys teams. It (animosity) didn't come from the boys; it was a lot from the parents - seeing their son get beat by a girl sometimes was more embarrassing for them, I suppose.

"Sometimes I was reduced to tears, but I would just pick my football boots up a couple of days later and always wanted to go back to training."

The 32-year-old England star, who has 146 England caps to her name, said she initially feared the serious-sounding phone call was to do with a parking fine.

She said: "I had a phone call when I was in Marks & Spencer. I nearly dropped all my Christmas decorations. I thought I was in trouble at. First, I thought I hadn't paid a car parking fine or something." 

Scott has played an essential role in the growth of women's football and is one of the most respected women within football. She is pleased to see the rise in popularity of women's football but said she would not be using her new title when introducing herself to people. This goes to sum up an incredible woman that Jill Scott is - a gentle giant, who over the years has worked quietly away to help change the face of women's football while inspiring a generation of girls that really understand why it is important to be great role models and ambassadors for football - for men or women. 

Scott joked that she would like to take a selfie with the Queen at the forthcoming investiture, before adding: "I don't think that would be allowed.

"I'm sure it'll just be a fantastic day - one of those where I want to take pictures left, right and centre but I'll have to be on my best behaviour."

Jill Scott follows in the footsteps of the likes of Lionesses Faye White and Steph Houghton in receiving MBEs.

Other notable mentions on the January 2020 honours list includes;

MBE for services to sports broadcasting and promoting women in sport  

Jade Jones - OBE for services to taekwondo and sport 

Serena Guthrie and Joanne Harten become MBEs  

Catriona Matthew - pictured with the Solheim Cup - has been made an OBE 

Loren Dykes - Captain of Bristol City Women, who has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours for her services to women's football in Wales 

Women’s football chief Sue Campbell ‘privileged’ to be made Dame in New Year Honours list