Scotland mix young talent with experience

Six players with local connections will pull on national colours when the Scottish women’s indoor squad open their European indoor campaign today in Brussels.

With Commonwealth Games winter training in Gran Canaria taking precedence over indoor commitments, coach Chris Anderson has turned to tried and trusted ‘retirees’ Vikki Bunce and Carmin Dow to resume international duties and share their years of experience for club and country with a host of young debutants.

Among the new caps are Emily Dark and Katie Stott, products of Kilgraston School, who have been outstanding for their respective clubs, MJV Dundee Wanderers and Grove Menzieshill, in the national league season.

At just 17, striker Dark already has three indoor Scottish Championship titles and a European Club silver medal to her name, while 18-year-old Stott’s defensive capabilities have seen a rapid progression from youth to Scotland U21 level.

Louise Campbell from Perth has been the catalyst for Edinburgh University’s devastating form while Grove’s Susan Hamilton makes a welcome return to the international scene.

The Scots, seeded third behind Austria and Belgium, will be looking for a fast start and three points against Wales before taking on their hosts in the afternoon.

Tomorrow’s final Pool B clash with Croatia promises to yield a further three points, and, all going to plan, they will be in the mix for medals in the afternoon cross-overs.

Austria are the hot tips to head Pool A.

This week’s Midland Indoor League matches, postponed due to adverse weather, have been rescheduled for February 6 at Douglas SC, Dundee.