POSITIVITY

the pub which the family run in Rothesay. To play England in Scotland’s first-ever match in a major tournament will be the pinnacle of her career so far. “It’s amazing,” she smiles. “You can see from everyone’s faces that they’re loving every minute of being here. We’ve finally achieved our goal after so many near misses.

“There was a lot of banter with my England team-mates when the draw was made and for a few months afterwards, but recently all my focus has been on the national team.”

Ross’s 50th Scotland goal arrived last month in the friendly against Romania at Falkirk Stadium. She is only the second Scot, after Julie Fleeting, to reach that landmark and she now also has 106 caps. Her achievements

JANE ROSS prove what hard work can achieve, because she was not one of Scotland’s better players at under-19 level.

Scotland head coach Anna Signeul has revealed that she and her players have been inundated with messages of support. Those sending good luck wishes include Rod Stewart, actor Gerard Butler, Judy Murray, Gordon Strachan, Robert Snodgrass and Andy Robertson. l First minister Nicola Sturgeon and Erin Cuthbert, the youngest player in Scotland’s squad, hope to have cause for very special birthday celebrations in Utrecht tomorrow.

Both were born on July 19 and Sturgeon, the team’s patron, will be at the Stadion Galdenwaard for the match against England. Sturgeon said: “As the proud patron of the national women’s football team I cannot think of a better way to spend my birthday than to cheer them on for this very important game against England.

“We’ll respect them – but won’t fear them. We’ll perform to the best of our ability. If we can get that right we’ve a good chance”