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 SquadGemma Fay - CelticShannon Lynn - HibsFrankie Brown - HibsRachel Corsie - Glasgow CityIfeoma Dieke - Unattached Nicola Docherty - Glasgow CityEmma Fernon - Glasgow CityRhonda Jones - CelticJoanne Love - Glasgow CityEmma Mitchell - Glasgow CityRachael Small - Forfar FarmingtonLisa Evans - Glasgow CityHayley Lauder - Aland UnitedKim Little - ArsenalChristie Murray - Glasgow CityLeanne Ross - Glasgow CityMegan Sneddon - CelticJennifer Beattie - Arsenal Rebecca Dempster - AberdeenSuzanne Grant - CelticJane Ross - Glasgow CityCanada v ScotlandTuesday 28 February, kick-off 5.30 pmGSZ Stadium, LarnacaScotland v The NetherlandsThursday 1 March, kick-off 2.30 pmGSP Stadium, NicosiaItaly v ScotlandSunday 4 March, kick-off 2.30 pmGSZ Stadium, LarnacaFinals Day Tuesday 6 March
Source: FOOTYMAD
