Melbourne City FC is pleased to announce Manchester City Women’s defender Jennifer Beattie will join the Club’s Westfield W-League squad on loan for the 2015/16 season.

The 24-year-old defender will make history as the first female player to represent both women’s clubs in the City Football family when she joins up with Head Coach Joe Montemurro’s squad this week ahead of City’s round three W-League clash against Perth Glory in Western Australia, on Saturday.

Capped 89 times for Scotland, Beattie made her debut as a 15-year-old with Scottish Women’s Premier League side Queens Park, before switching to Celtic FC Women’s the following season.

The versatile defender later joined Arsenal Ladies in 2009 during a successful four-year period, securing a number of honours with the London club.

She then departed for French side Montpellier HSC in 2013, before returning to England with Manchester City Women’s FC late in 2014.

Typically deployed as a defender, Beattie has also been utilised as a midfielder and as a forward.

In a move which mirrors that of Manchester City youngsters Shay Facey and Angelino who have both had successful spells with MLS outfit New York City FC, Beattie said:

"I’m delighted to have the opportunity to play for Melbourne City and compete in the W-League; this is a new challenge for me and one I’m really looking forward to. The similarities between the clubs will definitely help me to settle quickly, the philosophy we both have, and of course the facilities. I have no doubt CFA Melbourne will be a home away from home too; I just can’t wait to get started.'

Head Coach Joe Montemurro welcomed Beattie’s inclusion by adding; “Jen has proven herself to be an accomplished player across a number of leagues in Europe and we’re expecting her to be a great addition to the squad,”