HAVE A SECOND LOOK, SHELLEY
New Scotland boss urged to check up on lower-tier talent
GLASGOW GIRLS head coach George Patterson has urged Shelley Kerr to cast an eye over his players when she takes charge as Scotland boss.
Kerr will replace Anna Signeul at the helm after this summer’s Euro championships.
And Patterson reckons she need look no further than his side in her quest to find fresh talent, insisting there are players in the second tier who are good enough to make the step up to international level.
He said: “A lot of our girls have ambitions to play for the Scotland squad – and they have the talent as well.
“After the Euros a few of the senior pros will probably be leaving and, as much as we have good youth players coming through, there is still a big gap.
“Teams such as Glasgow Girls and Hearts could fill that void for players between the ages of 21 and 24.
“I would love Shelley Kerr to have a look at the division below the top flight and make sure she’s not missing anything.
“I genuinely think some of these players could be getting called up for training camps to have a look at them.”
Glasgow Girls currently sit joint second in SWPL 2, nine points adrift of runaway leaders Forfar Farmington.
Patterson knows they face a big challenge to secure a place in the top flight but hasn’t given up hope of winning promotion.
He said: “Forfar seem to be running away with it at this point but we’re only about halfway through the season.
“We believe we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.
“We will eventually get up to the top division, whether it’s this season or next.”
Former Raith and Morton player Patterson has been coaching at Budhill Park for the last two-and-a-half years.
And he is enjoying the challenge of being involved with the female game.
Patterson said: “I run a coaching company called Ultimate Soccer so I’ve been involved with youth development for 10 years.
“I got involved with women’s football as a favour but it has been a good journey so far.”