The England international admits that the time away from the game was a "blessing in disguise" as she was able to mourn the loss of her father Nick after he passed away last September.

Toone told BBC Sport: "The first half of the season was really hard for me. I had a lot going on. I probably didn't admit that I was struggling more than I was.

"I was trying to play football but not enjoying it. What was meant to be my happy place wasn't. I was putting too much pressure on myself.

"When I put pressure on myself, I can't play my best football. I didn't know that until I got the injury - a blessing in disguise - and I stepped away from the pitch for a bit.

"It made me realise that was what I was doing and I needed help. I needed to ask for it."

The Manchester United star has been supported by her England team-mates since her father's death and credits her counselling sessions for helping her "process grief and to find that love for football again".

Toone said: "I'm not the finished article just yet. There's a lot to work on and I think that will be the same for the rest of my life but I'm in such a better place than I was before.

"If I need someone, I know there's someone always there. I think that's the main thing about football. You're not just on your own.

"You have got a group of girls who, for me, are like sisters. I'm very lucky to have had them. They have definitely helped me on my journey."