Bunce returns for indoor Euros

Scotland coach Chris Anderson has tempted veteran international Vikki Bunce back into the squad for the women’s European Indoor Championships II, which start today in Brussels.

The Scots play Wales and hosts Belgium today, with the final pool match against Croatia tomorrow. The top two in the group go into the promotion play-offs.

Dundee’s Bunce, 34, has 220 Scotland and Great Britain caps but retired in November 2016. She played indoors for both Scotland and her club Dundee Wanderers over the years, but this season has been with English premier league side Beeston and was their top goalscorer with 13 strikes in eight league games.

Wanderers’ Carmin Dow, still arguably one of the best indoor keepers in Europe, wil be between the sticks for Scotland but there are also more youthful figures in Anderson’s squad. Grove Menzieshill teenager Katie Stott, daughter of former GB Olympic captain Pauline, and Emily Dark, a regular scorer for Wanderers in this season’s first division, are both included.

Not available are members of the outdoor Scotland squad who are in Gran Canaria for a winter training camp in preparation for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.

Anderson said: “We have selected an exciting group of talented young players blended with quality senior players with a lot of indoor experience.

“We know that every game will be difficult, but the squad is very much looking forward to the challenge.”