The Champions League draw took place earlier this afternoon at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon and Chelsea were placed into in Group D alongside opposition from Spain, Sweden and France.

The quality of the sides we will face is undeniable, and something Hayes highlighted in her pre-match press conference at Cobham.

She said: ‘To get to the group stage, everybody is a good team. We respect all the opponents we might face. We know Real Madrid is a top team, Hacken are a top team performing really well, and Paris FC deservedly progressed into the group stage.

‘We’ve been in the Champions League a long time to know that this is a really tough competition and we’ve got a lot to prepare for.’

First, however, comes Sunday's visit of Brighton in the WSL. An international break follows and the majority of our squad will be representing their respective nations.

One of those is Kirby, who returns to the England squad after injury, and Hayes is delighted to see the forward back where she belongs.

‘I’m always going to proceed on the side of caution for obvious reasons, Fran knows that,' explained the Chelsea boss. 'She’s got another 55 minutes in the bank and she’s had a really good training week. She is available for selection at the weekend.

‘Ideally, we can send her fresh into camp and she can build another cumulative load. Our goal is to keep Fran on the pitch all of the time, not some of the time and she knows that.

'However, it’s great for her to bounce back and get that opportunity again with England because she is brilliant.’

Brighton make the relatively short journey to Kingsmeadow on Sunday under fresh guidance in the form of head coach Melissa Phillips.

Hayes gave her thoughts on the impression Phillips has made thus far and is confident she will take them to a different level.

‘Really impressive, she speaks really well,' Hayes said. 'You can see she is really clear on her vision and strategy for that team. The recruitment has been excellent this summer and that takes time to come together. When you put new players in they have to adapt to the league.

‘Brighton will grow across the season and she has shown how ambitious she is. She has brought something to Brighton which is more in line with how they are on the men’s side.

'They are a club that will move in an upward direction and she is a really bright young manager.’