Scotland’s National Woman’s squad gathered at Edinburgh Airport early this morning before heading to Cyprus for the Cyprus Woman's Cup. Well nearly all the squad were there as national coach Anna Signeul confirmed the travelling party would be augmented by Kim Little, Jennifer Beattie (who scored four against Northern Ireland earlier this month) and Ifeoma Dieke who were making their own way to Heathrow. The international tournament, organised by the FAs of Scotland, England and The Netherlands in partnership with Cyprus Tourism Organisation and Erinor Tours, is established as an important event in the women's football calendar. The tournament is ideal preparation for Scotland's next game in the qualifying group for UEFA European Championship, against France on 31 March.
Signeul said: "While we go out to win every game, winning the tournament is not the priority. Qualification for the European Championships is the main focus and this tournament gives the squad a taste of how they will have to prepare and perform in the Euro Championships if they qualify. We are looking at one game at a time but we do not have an easy group waiting for us in Cyprus. We faced Canada and Italy in the previous Cyprus Woman's Cup along with England. This time around we have the Netherlands instead of England in our group and this does not make it a foregone conclusion that we will be involved in the finals. The best points tally Scotland have achieved in previous Cyprus Cups has been four points. Therefore, we have set a minimum target of beating that tally this time around. We are confident that this is achievable as our results against the 'bigger' teams are improving all the time."
Scotland Squad
Gemma Fay - Celtic
Shannon Lynn - Hibs
Frankie Brown - Hibs
Rachel Corsie - Glasgow City
Ifeoma Dieke - Unattached
Nicola Docherty - Glasgow City
Emma Fernon - Glasgow City
Rhonda Jones - Celtic
Joanne Love - Glasgow City
Emma Mitchell - Glasgow City
Rachael Small - Forfar Farmington
Lisa Evans - Glasgow City
Hayley Lauder - Aland United
Kim Little - Arsenal
Christie Murray - Glasgow City
Leanne Ross - Glasgow City
Megan Sneddon - Celtic
Jennifer Beattie - Arsenal
Rebecca Dempster - Aberdeen
Suzanne Grant - Celtic
Jane Ross - Glasgow City
Canada v Scotland
Tuesday 28 February, kick-off 5.30 pm
GSZ Stadium, Larnaca
Scotland v The Netherlands
Thursday 1 March, kick-off 2.30 pm
GSP Stadium, Nicosia
Italy v Scotland
Sunday 4 March, kick-off 2.30 pm
GSZ Stadium, Larnaca
Finals Day
Tuesday 6 March