Watford Ladies captain Lauren Davey will hang up her gloves after Sunday’s final game of the season against Reading after deciding to retire following a string of injuries.

The Hornets goalkeeper has been with the club for more than a decade but has taken the decision to retire after Sunday’s final Women’s Super League 2 fixture of the season.

Davey has been an almost ever-present for Watford in the last five years, since making her debut in 2009, missing just five league games.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s swansong, the 23-year-old said: “Looking back I have had so many fantastic memories. From making my competitive debut for Watford, to just missing out on beating Arsenal after saving two penalties.

“However my favourite memory at the club has to be the whole second half of the [2011/12] season we stayed up. It was just incredible; the team spirit was something I had never witnessed before. I will never forget it.”

She added: “My career highlight has to be playing in an Under-17 World Cup quarter-final against Japan and winning on penalties,” said Davey.

“To play in front of thousands of people and representing your country with some very talented players is something I feel very lucky to have achieved.”

The Hornets will look to cement sixth position in the WSL2 when they travel to Reading for the final game of the season on Sunday.

Beating the Royals remains Davey’s priority despite it being a special day for the goalkeeper.

“I am trying not to think about it too much and just focus on the job in hand but I am sure it will be difficult to not let it affect me,” Davey admitted.

“It will be the last time I get to put on the shirt that I have been so honoured to wear for the last ten years so I am sure it will be an emotional day. I just hope I can end on a high.”

There is change away from the field as well as on it for the Hornets custodian.

She has recently started a new job as a maths teacher and has her wedding to Bill to look forward in the summer of 2016.

On the field, the task of replacing Davey will fall to Rebecca Bull, who has been recruited from Chelsea.

The 18-year-old has previously been with Arsenal and becomes Watford’s first signing ahead of their second season in the Women’s Super League 2.

The former England Under-17 cap said: “I can’t wait until next season. It’s been a while since I have played so want to get myself match fit and back into goalkeeper training, brushing up on my techniques.”