Football star Esme Morgan took time out of her busy training schedule in a bid to help rescue dogs win the ultimate prize - a new home.   

The 22-year-old, who plays for Manchester City and England, headed to Dogs Trust Manchester in Denton to meet up with some four-legged friends, and young Lurcher Ellie and Crossbreed Jasper certainly put her through her paces.  

Esme said: "I absolutely adore dogs but I’ve never had one so coming here today is a real treat. Seeing how well they are cared for is fantastic and they are all gorgeous, but it is sad that so many are having to be handed over, particularly as people are finding it difficult to afford them due to the cost of living." 

Esme first met nine-month-old Ellie, who impressed Esme with her fancy paws-work chasing toys and speeding around the sandpit, before one-year-old Jasper entered the arena - and stole Esme’s heart.   

Jasper arrived at Dogs Trust earlier this month after being found as a stray, but despite what he has been through he instantly makes friends with people and was more than happy to let Esme make a fuss of him from the moment they met.   

Former stray gentle giant Jasper stole Esme's heart

Esme says: "Jasper is beautiful. He is a gentle giant, really friendly and has thoroughly enjoyed having cuddles, which I have loved too! I can’t believe he was found as a stray and I’m just so glad he is here being loved and cared for.   

“I’m sure he’ll find his perfect home and will make a wonderful pet. Having a dog is such a huge commitment but when the time is right, I will definitely be welcoming a four-legged friend into my life, and it will definitely be a rescue dog. Until then I might just visit Dogs Trust as often as possible!”   

Carol Margieson, Assistant Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, says: "Esme’s passion for dogs seems to be up there with her love of football! It was lovely to see her face light up as soon as she saw them. She’s more than welcome to come back any time and perhaps our dogs could join her in a game of football.”   

If you would like to find out about any of the dogs waiting at Dogs Trust Manchester to find their forever homes, go to www.dogstrust.org.uk   

Esme was at Dogs Trust Manchester with Sky Sports ahead of their upcoming televised Women’s Super League match between Manchester City and West Ham United on Sunday 23 April, kick-off 6.45pm.  

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper