Ever since her days at Everton, Clinton has been tipped to become a star.
The midfielder stepped up to the first-team squad under former Toffees boss Willie Kirk aged just 16 during the 2020-21 pre-season campaign.
She was an unused substitute in their FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City later that season and earned her first start in a Merseyside derby as Everton beat Liverpool in the Women’s League Cup.
Kirk, who also worked with England winger Lauren Hemp and Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir during their development, knew there was room for improvement for Clinton.
“She was a great kid first of all but she was a little bit frustrating because she was a little bit lazy out of possession,” he said.
“I remember, it was in my last game at Everton, and she scored a fantastic goal against Manchester City.
“It was a top, top goal and everyone was talking about it saying ‘that’s why she should be playing more’.
“But everyone forgot she didn’t track back for Weir’s goal which put us 1-0 down. She was righting her wrongs! Her move to Manchester United now has helped her understand what work at the highest level means and needs to look like.”
Kirk signed experienced England midfielder Jill Scott on loan in 2021 and hoped she would “leave a lasting impression” on Clinton.
“Jill was always the first on the pitch and last off it. I hoped Grace saw that,” said Kirk. “Grace was only 18 and was maybe keen to get away sometimes.
“I’m sure she has taken all of those learnings because she is an intelligent kid and Sarina [Wiegman] will have seen her qualities.
“She can carry the ball, she has fantastic balance, can make things happen and she sees things a lot of players don’t. It’s great to see her called up.”