Beattie And Mitchell Return For Double-Header

Shelley Kerr has named her Scotland squad for the upcoming double-header against Belarus and Albania, as their World Cup Qualification campaign kicks-off.

Scotland are aiming to reach their first World Cup after recently playing in Euro 2017 over the summer.

Hibernian goalkeeper Jenna Fife is included in the squad for the first time with fellow club mates Rachael Small and Lucy Graham also called up for the second successive squad.

After missing out on Euro 2017 through injury, Jenny Beattie (pictured) and Emma Mitchell are back involved.

Both played in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Arsenal at the weekend where Emma Mitchell scored for the Gunners.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Belarus v Scotland
FC Minsk, Minsk
Thursday 19 October, 2017, kick-off 4pm (UK time)

Scotland v Albania
Paisley 2021 Stadium, Paisley
Tuesday 24 October, 2017, kick-off 7.30pm

The match against Albania in Paisley is free entry for all supporters with a bumper crowd expected.

Ahead of the matches Shelley Kerr told scottishfa.co.uk: “As a coach you want the games to come thick and fast so to have two matches coming in quick succession is really positive.

“We’ve gone through our philosophy with the team but we’re now ready for the competitive games and picking up points in our group.”

On the inclusion of Jenna Fife for the first time, Kerr said: “Jenna has been involved in our national youth squads and the technical and tactical side of her game has really improved over the years.

“She has impressed for Hibernian of late and really deserves her call-up.”

Kerr also spoke of her delight at Jenny Beattie and Emma Mitchell being available again after recovering from injury.

She said: “Both Jenny and Emma are both really experienced defenders and competing at a very high level, playing in highly competitive matches.

“They’ve been out injured for a wee while so it’s a huge boost to have them back involved for the World Cup qualifiers.”

Scotland Squad

Goalkeepers

Lee Alexander (Glasgow City) 1 cap
Jenna Fife (Hibernian) 0 caps
Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo GIK) 25 caps

Defenders

Rachel Corsie (Seattle Reign) 92 caps
Chloe Arthur (Bristol City) 8 caps
Jennifer Beattie (Manchester City) 106 caps
Joelle Murray (Hibernian) 45 caps
Kirsty Smith (Hibernian) 24 caps
Sophie Howard (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim) 4 caps
Emma Mitchell (Arsenal) 51 caps
Rachael Small (Hibernian) 29 caps

Midfielders

Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea) 12 caps
Caroline Weir (Liverpool) 42 caps
Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City) 55 caps
Jo Love (Glasgow City) 181 caps
Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City) 87 caps
Lucy Graham (Hibernian) 1 cap

Forwards

Lisa Evans (Arsenal) 64 caps
Jane Ross (Man City) 108 caps
Lana Clelland (UPC Tavagnacco Femminile) 19 caps
Claire Emslie (Man City) 2 caps
Fiona Brown (Eskilstuna United) 22 caps
Christie Murray (Doncaster Rovers Belles) 49 caps

Photo – scottishfa.co.uk