Duo recalled as Scotland squad unveiled for qualifier

PEDRO MARTINEZ LOSA has recalled Celtic captain Kelly Clark and midfielder Lisa Robertson to the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in Poland a week tomorrow. Robertson has returned to the club following a loan season at Birmingham City.

The postponed qualifier at the Stadion Miejski in Rzeszow is shaping up as the most important game since Martinez Losa replaced Shelley Kerr as permanent women’s team head coach.

“It’s key,” the Spaniard said. “A win will pretty much guarantee second position

[in the group] and that is our objective.”

Should that be achieved, Scotland will qualify for October’s play-offs with a game to spare. Ukraine, who are in fourth place but have played two fewer games, need the three points to have any chance of finishing second.

The Ukrainians came close to causing an upset in the corresponding game at Hampden, and it took a goal in time added on from Bristol City striker Abi Harrison to prevent a home defeat. However, the war in their homeland has completely changed the circumstances and Ukraine have not played since winning the Turkish Women’s Cup in February.

Four months ago 16 of the squad played for the leading two domestic clubs in

Kharkiv, but the city in the east of Ukraine has been heavily shelled and the national team players are now spread throughout 12 European countries.

AC Milan forward Christy Grimshaw has not fully recovered from injury and drops out, as does Hibernian central defender Leah Eddie.

Goalkeepers Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Eartha Cumings (Charlton Athletic), Jenna Fife (Rangers). Defenders Jen Beattie (Arsenal), Jenna Clark (Glasgow City), Kelly Clark (Celtic), Rachel Corsie (Aston Villa), Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Leicester City), Chloe Arthur (Aston Villa), Lisa Evans (West Ham). Midfielders Lucy Graham (Everton), Sam Kerr (Rangers), Christie Murray (Birmingham City), Lisa Robertson (Celtic), Caroline Weir (Unattached), Lizzie Arnot (Rangers), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea). Forwards Lana Clelland (Sassuolo), Claire Emslie (Unattached), Abi Harrison (Bristol City), Jane Ross (Rangers), Martha Thomas (Manchester United).