Hayes hails Kerr as ‘the best’ after Chelsea Women’s FA Cup semis defeat of Aston Villa before Barcelona duel

EMMA HAYES saluted Sam Kerr describing the striker  after she fired Chelsea a step closer to FA Cup glory.

The Australia ace’s header sent the holders back to Wembley for a final against WSL leaders Manchester United on May 14.

And delighted Blues boss Hayes, whose team will face Barcelona in the Champions League on Saturday, declared: "You just can't stop her.

"I don't know a striker in world football who can do what she does ? She's the best.

"I have never seen a centre-forward move as much as her.

"Even if she strays into an offside position, she doesn't stay still, she just goes again.

"She's a total nightmare to defend against for opponents.

"Her energy levels - it's like she's a 12-year-old. It's so infectious but her qualities, she's just unbelievable."

Kerr's 24th goal of the season in front of a 5,000-plus crowd at Walsall's Bescot Stadium sent Chelsea to a third successive women's FA Cup final. 

The London outfit overcame a battling performance by Aston Villa with Carla Ward’s side pushing them all the way before bowing out of the contest. 

The Blues, chasing the WSL title and Champions League glory, are now eyeing a fifth women's Cup final triumph.

And Kerr declared: "I love what I do, love playing for this club and love playing alongside these girls.

"Emma will tell you, when she takes me off or makes me take a rest day at training, I get angry.

"So it's me that wants to keep playing and I'll play as much as I can."

On beating Carla Ward's plucky Villa side, the Australian added: "It was a really gutsy team performance.

"We just needed to do what we needed to do and we got the win."

Villa failed to create enough clear-cut chances, and the injury-hit Cup holders made their opponents pay.

Kerr headed home Guro Reiten's cross to hand Chelsea the crucial advantage.

They then weathered a late Villa barrage as Alisha Lehmann missed two opportunities before Sarah Mayling agonisingly struck a post in the 85th minute.

Chelsea now face a tricky Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

It was Villa's first semi-final appearance in the competition.

Proud boss Ward said: "All my players were absolutely outstanding.

"I thought we were the better team. We're heartbroken ? That's the reality.

"We had quite a few chances to score and we just didn't put them away. But I'm so, so proud of the group."