SPANISH DUEL IN SCOTLAND QUALIFIER

Scotland host Ukraine in a women’s World Cup qualifier at Hampden tonight with Scots coach Pedro Martinez Losa preparing to go head-to-head with a fellow Spaniard.

Ukraine are led by Lluis Cortes, who led Barcelona to a domestic double and the Champions League last season.

Martinez Losa takes on Spain on Monday but tonight’s Hampden clash will also see him pit his wits against someone he knows well.

“A brilliant coach coming from the Barcelona academy,” he said of his counterpart Cortes.

“He will probably try to implement all of the philosophy, concepts and experience that he had at Barcelona.

“I am sure he will do a fantastic job, but we have the opportunity to compete and see what we can do in just a few training sessions and one camp and we will be ready for that.”

Martinez Losa himself came through the coaching ranks of Atletico Madrid’s academy before venturing into the women’s game, where he has managed the likes of Arsenal and Bordeaux.

After winning his first three World Cup qualifiers in charge, Martinez Losa is now looking for his Scotland team to implement his ideas against their qualification rivals.

Speaking to Fifa’s website about his early months in charge, the 45-year-old said: “The first thing I’ve suggested is to build a culture of excellence and hard work based on a specific identity and shared team values, to build the DNA of a Scottish footballer.

“What does it mean to play for Scotland? What type of player does the nation need?

“We want to develop our style of play through this type of player.

“We’re a team that likes to get on the ball, to express ourselves and that wants the fans on our side, to be our 12th man in many of the games we play at Hampden Park.

“I want us to play attractive football so the fans can identify with the team.

“I want the team to inspire generations of girls and women in Scotland, so that the team is remembered for achieving something special during these years.”