Crichton rues loss of Scots’ key trio

SCOTLAND WOMEN midfielder Leanne Crichton says competing in a first major tournament finals without three key players is a severe blow.

Anna Signeul’s side are missing injured trio Kim Little, Jen Beattie and Lizzie Arnot for Euro 2017, which begins on 17 July in the Netherlands.

“Any team at the Euros would miss players like Kim, Jenny and Lizzie,” said Crichton. “The good thing is we have got a bit of strength in depth in the squad now.”

Manchester City defender Beattie is nursing an ankle injury, while midfielder Little, of Arsenal, and Hibernian striker Arnot have both ruptured anterior cruciate knee ligaments.

“There are certainly quality players that have been brought in because of their absences, and I think those players along with myself will show it’s about the squad and what we can do collectively,” Glasgow City player Crichton said.

“I’m disappointed for them and for us, but it’s part of football.”

Boss Signeul shares Crichton’s disappointment for the trio, especially given how close Little and Beattie have come to qualifying for major tournaments in the past, only to fall at the play-off stage.

“It’s very, very sad for them and I feel for the players,” the Swede said. “Kim and Jennifer have been part of these play-offs that were so close so many times and now when we finally made it, they are not here.”