Khamis back to lead the lines | TWG Khamis back to lead the lines | TWG

Sydney FC returns to Westfield W-League action today as they take on Adelaide United in Week 6.  The match also sees a much welcomed return to the line up of prolific striker Leena Khamis. Like many of the national team members, 2011 has been a great year for the 25 year old as she experienced a number of firsts including her first World Cup game and goal and playing professionally overseas.

Khamis, along with Matildas teammates Elise Kellond-Knight, Emily Van Egmond and Kim Carroll, took up an opportunity to play for Fortuna Hjørring in the Danish top division.  For Khamis, the experience was an immensely positive and prolific one.

15 goals in 15 games, including in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, kept her in the company of some of the best strikers in Europe at the time.  No small feat considering the quality of players across those European leagues.

“Yeah it was great," she said. "It was pretty exciting and it was a great experience all round.”

“It helped that I am bit older now, a bit wiser and I have a lot more experience under my belt.”

“Obviously playing in the W-League and international games gives you that experience to perform.”

Now back in the country, the striker is ready to fire for her club against Adelaide.  With the season already half gone, Khamis is eager to get back into the swing of things.

“I am actually looking forward to the game as it’s been a while since I played my last W-League game.”

“We will not be taking Adelaide lightly.  Because the competition is so close, it is important for us that we take the three points this weekend.”

The absence of the second W-League all time leading scorer, and her strike partner Kyah Simon, left Sydney without 20 goals from last season.  And to say that Khamis has been missed is an understatement. While Sydney have created plenty of chances, at times they have lacked that dangerous edge to their attacks.

“Our team has been doing great and creating a lot of chances,” noted Khamis.

“All round we could be scoring more and hopefully I bring that back to our team and Kyah will be back soon.”

“Hopefully when she is back we can get our combinations working again because we have a really good relationship and partnership up front.”

As to regaining W-League All-time goal scoring record from Canberra’s Michelle Heyman?

“Congratulations to Michelle and I am happy for her as she is a great player,” said Khamis.

“But that is the least of my worries at the moment.  I just want to get back into it and hopefully keep my scoring form from overseas."