Shaw has proven herself this season – Downswell

Jamaica Football Federation technical director Wendell Downswell says that national striker Khadija Shaw's 2022-23 campaign has further cemented her as one of the best goalscorers in the women's game.

Downswell comments come as Shaw yesterday signed a two-year extension with her club Manchester City, a deal which keeps her at the club until 2026.

Shaw finished the 2022-23 campaign as the second-highest goalscorer in the FA Women's Super League scoring 20 goals in 22 league appearances, two goals shy of golden boot winner Rachel Daly of Aston Villa. Her exploits have seen her earn her club honours as their player of the season as well as winning the award for goal of the season.

Downswell said her campaign has cemented her case as being one of the best strikers in the world, in her second year with the club.

"She has done amazing this year. She has proven herself to be one of the most prolific goalscorers presently in women's football. And it is a testimony to the quality that she possesses and that is something that augurs well for a small country like Jamaica to produce someone of that magnitude, speaks volumes for our football," Downswell told STAR Sports.

Shaw also made history by being the first Jamaica player and the first from the Caribbean to be named Concacaf Player of the Year. After a debut season where she helped City to win the Continental Cup, Downswell said that her improvement and form will be invaluable as Jamaica prepare for their second consecutive appearance in the Women's World Cup in less than two months.

"We would like to leave that zone and a lot will depend on her," Downswell said.

Jamaica will face France, Brazil and Panama in their group in July. Grateful for the support since she arrived at the club in 2021, Shaw said that she is committed to be a part of the club's future.

"I just want to thank our fans for everything, all the love and support they've given me since I arrived. I'll just try my best to continue repaying them on the football pitch," Shaw told the club website