Signeul to make a Little change of plan
KIM Little and three other experienced players in the Scotland squad are expected to sit out this afternoon’s Cyprus Cup game against Austria in Nicosia, despite the national team being in the position where they must win to have any chance of reaching Wednesday’s final.
Anna Signeul’s side have three points from the opening two Group B matches after their 3-2 victory over New Zealand was followed by a 2-0 defeat to South Korea.
Today’s opponents and South Korea have four. However, the national coach, who last week insisted Scotland could be one of the top women’s sides in the world in the near future, has made it clear from the outset that her main priority is to use the four games in Cyprus as preparation for Euro 2017, and that winning the tournament would only be a bonus.
Little, along with goalkeeper Shannon Lynn and defenders Emma Mitchell and Jenny Beattie, played all 180 minutes of the earlier win against New Zealand and loss to South Korea. The four will be on call from the bench if required.
“I don’t think I’ve played against Austria, even at Under-19 level,” Arsenal midfielder Little said. “It will be a good test for us to see the level of another team that will be in the Euros.”
If goalkeeper Lynn doesn’t start there could be a first cap for Glasgow City goalkeeper Lee Alexander.
Signeul must choose between Alexander and Scotland captain Gemma Fay, both of whom are on the books of the Scottish champions.
Fay hasn’t played since January 20 when she went off injured after 28 minutes in the friendly against Denmark. Alexander, who has rejoined Glasgow City after a season playing professionally in Sweden, has been in goal in the club’s pre-season and SWPL Cup games.