Scots can top group table with big win over Albania

Scotland’s women will overtake Switzerland at the top of their 2019 World Cup qualifying group if they beat Albania by four goals or more at the Paisley 2021 Stadium tonight.

Head coach Shelley Kerr hopes fans will take advantage of the free admission to mark the first home game since the Euros – although she does acknowledge there is a counter-attraction at the other end of the M8.

“We had a really good support out in Holland and we’re hoping that can continue ,” she said. “We’re aware that the Edinburgh derby is on, but are hopeful that anyone who supports the women’s game will come along and watch.”

Kerr has promised changes from the side which beat Belarus 2-1 in Minsk on Thursday night. That got Group 2 off to a winning start and, with the Swiss not in action this week, a big win against a side ranked 73 in the world would make a further statement.

Under previous coach Anna Signeul’s regime, pretty much the same players would have been chosen for both games of the double-header, but her successor has made it clear these days are over and that everybody is playing for their places.

“If you’re in an environment where there’s a thought process that you’re not going to be selected, that can be difficult,” Kerr pointed out. “We trust every single player to come in and do a job.

“We plan to make changes. You need to have a freshness when you’re playing a doubleheader.”

Although the early goal conceded on Thursday didn’t please the coaching staff, the game should have been won by a bigger margin and more precision will be required tonight.

“The players have trained well, they know the game plan, and they know what they’re up against,” Kerr said. “We’ve watched the Belarus game back numerous times and it’s just the small details.

“If we get these right that will stand us in good stead, because 80 per cent of the game in Minsk was excellent from us. We’ve been creating chances from all different areas and that’s so pleasing for us.”