THE youngest player ever to play in an FA Cup Final is forging a new career for herself - as the female equivalent of goalie turned TV pundit Peter Schmeichel.

Rachel Brown, 24, who lives in Todmorden Road, Burnley, appeared on BBC Match of the Day on Monday as a pundit analysing the women's FA Cup Final.

The England and Everton goalkeeper, a former St Christopher's High School pupil, in Accrington, waxed lyrical on the game between Arsenal and Charlton Ladies, which Arsenal won 3-0.

As a young goalkeeper she modelled herself on Manchester United and Denmark legend Schmeichel and, just like him, is now passing on her wisdom to TV viewers.

Rachel, who is currently injured having torn her cruciate ligament, said she enjoyed the experience but wants to get back playing.

She said: "With me being injured at the moment it was a good chance to try another aspect of football. I suppose the test of it went is if they ask me back.

"I had an operation nine weeks ago and it is going well.

"Hopefully I can get back for the start of next season."

Rachel, who has 23 England caps, was just 15 when she played for Liverpool Ladies in the 1996 final.

In 1998, she went to America to study an exercise science degree at the University of Pittsburgh joining Everton on her return to England in 2002.

When she started playing at eight-years-old, Rachel said she modelled herself on Peter Schmeichel as there was not many role models in the ladies game.

Rachel said: "They weren't many girls playing at the time so I had to play for a boys team.

"I think it is good for female kids when they star getting coaching, they have a role model to look up to right from the start."