Wednesday 5 October 2016 18:27, UK
Manchester City Women's captain Steph Houghton is aiming for a treble winning campaign after claiming a league and cup double this week.
City secured a second piece of silverware for the club in seven days with the FA Women's Super League title last month that saw them beat defending champions Chelsea 2-0, and Sunday's 1-0 victory over Birmingham City in the final of the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup
In tandem with the men's team, City are looking to challenge on a European stage as they prepare to play their first Champions League game on Thursday, October 6 against 2009 finalists Zvezda Perm at the Academy Stadium.
"The squad are in good spirits and we are very confident," said England international Houghton, who became England captain in January 2014. "We have been playing really well for the last 18 months.
"We know we just have to continue giving those same performances coming into the Champions League.
"We know it's going to be tough, but this is the competition we want to be in and hopefully we can hold our own against the best."
The Blues have lost just one game all season, in the Women's FA Cup, but Houghton is not underestimating the challenge ahead.
"I think with the WSL we have improved that league," the 28-year-old added. "The standard of the league is always improving but the Champions League is a different level.
"We know we can't give them too many chances, but we have to go and take our own. We have to go and perform, technically we have to be very good on the day.
"We know it's going to be tough but it is an exciting challenge for us and hopefully we can do ok."
The second leg of Round 32 will see City face a gruelling trip to Russia. However, the City defender remains confident the squad's success at home can set them up for the away trip.
"Its going to be a tough away trip but hopefully we can do the business at home," admitted Houghton, who featured in the 2015 World Cup.
"That's what makes this competition so special that you know you have to do the job when you are at home and keep a clean sheet and prevent away goals.
"When we go over there we still have to performance as best as we can, but hopefully an advantage here will help us.
