EX-READING FC Women star Fran Kirby has praised her partnership with Jodie Taylor following England’s 6-0 triumph over rivals Scotland in Euro 2017, writes Dean Cooke.

Taylor put Scotland to the sword with a sensational hat-trick while further goals from Ellen White, Jordan Nobbs and Toni Duggan added to the misery.

“She’s really good," beamed Kirby. "Jodie likes to run in behind whereas I like coming in to get the ball.

"I always know Jodie will be there. We work well together when we play together.”

Kirby scored 67 goals in 42 games for Reading, leading them to promotion to the top flight, before moving to Chelsea in 2015.

The 24-year-old former John Madejski Academy student wasn't on the scoresheet in Urtrecht on Wednesday night, but she did play a massive part in England's first goal before the Scotland floodgates opened.

“For the first goal I knew that Jodie would be running off the shoulder, and I thought that if I could drag defenders in and let it run to her – I knew that she’d put it in the back of the net,” added Kirby.

Kirby was once hailed as the “mini Messi” by current manager Mark Sampson, and the evidence was on display to back that up.

This is only Kirby’s second major tournament for England but she feels as sharp as ever.

Reading Chronicle:

England's Jodie Taylor celebrates her hat-trick against Scotland. Picture: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images.

“We were clinical," she added. "With the chances we had, we were able to get into the positions to finish the game off. We were able to open up doors and move Scotland around. Overall we’re very happy.”

The forward is now hoping to be the first player from Reading to win the Women’s Euros.

Kirby is likely to line-up alongside Reading FC duo Jade Moore and Jo Potter when England face Spain this Sunday.