Fliss Gibbons has said she would have never imagined being a footballer as her full-time job.

The 25-year-old had been playing part-time until she re-joined Albion for a second spell at the club and Gibbons says she is living the dream.

She said: “It is very special.

“I wouldn’t have ever dreamt I could have done this as a job, even three years ago I was working in a school and playing part-time.

“It is very different. I would say a lot of the time I am living the dream and it is true. It is really special and I will have a lot of family here supporting me on Sunday.

“It is going to be a great occasion.”

Albion had no game over the weekend due to the international break but face Birmingham next Sunday at the Amex.

For some of the players in Albion’s squad it will be their first time playing there, so what advice would Gibbons, who has played at the Amex previously, give to them?

She said: “Just to enjoy it, just to enjoy the occasion.

“We came off from the Arsenal game last season feeling it was a really special occasion but ultimately we were disappointed because of how we performed.

“This time round it is going to be go out there and have no regrets, leave everything on the pitch and enjoy it.

“You have to take in the moment because you don’t know how many times it is going to happen.”

Albion have only scored twice in their five games in the WSL this season.

Gibbons was quite a prolific striker earlier in her career but has not been pressing boss Hope Powell to play upfront.

She said: “No, that was a long time ago now.

“I did play a more attacking role before Hope came. I played higher up the pitch.

“But she came in and said she sees me in a more defensive role and I am enjoying the role and starting games as well. I think I am improving every week, so I have taken that on board. “Hope’s knowledge of the game speaks for itself, so when she said I think you’re a left-back I said ‘OK then’, but I am playing and that is what’s most important.”

Gibbons has established herself as one of the first names on the teamsheet but Powell still wants more from her player.

She said: “She (Powell) wants me to get forward a bit more this season. I think I have sort of established myself defensively and I have improved on that.

“She wants me to continue to do that, dominate my one versus ones, but ultimately get forward.

“We are struggling for goals, so if I can contribute more in the final third then she will be pleased.”

Albion played Arsenal the last time they were at the Amex.

This time they head into the game against Birmingham having beaten Arsenal in the WSL Cup in their previous outing.

Gibbons reckons that has been good for the team’s morale.

She said: “It was a great result and, more importantly, a great performance from us.

“We had come off the back of a couple of defeats in the WSL (Women’s Super League), in which we were disappointed with our performances as by our standards they were below par.

“To go into that Arsenal game and perform like we did and stick to our game plan by staying disciplined was really pleasing.

“We will go into this game knowing that we do belong in this league and we can compete with every team.”

Albion will be hoping they can beat the 5,000 that watched their defeat to the Gunners.

And Gibbons sounded a rallying call.

She said: “Come out and support us. I have said before Brighton is more of a community-orientated club and we take a lot of pride in that. It is always a really nice occasion and the support we get is always positive.

“Come out as we really appreciate it, especially if you have got young girls. So many young girls come and it might be their first game and then they will want to come back every week.”