Sara’s a Scotland star in qualifiers
Braidhurst pupil helps out under-17 team
A Motherwell schoolgirl was a Scotland star as the under- 17 team chased European glory.
Sara McWhirter from Braidhurst High helped the young Scots qualify for the next round of the European Championships after a tough group stage.
The 16-year-old played against England, Latvia and Slovakia as Scotland’s 17s made the final qualifying stage in March next year.
Despite suffering a 3-0 defeat to England, a 4-0 win over Latvia and a 1-0 victory against Slovakia was enough to progress.
Now the talented teen believes the Scots have what it takes to make the showpiece event in Lithuania next year.
Sara said: “We have a strong squad and it would be great for us to make it.
“The next qualifying stage will be harder because two teams made it from the last group and only one will make it this time around.
“But we believe we can do it and after the last group we’re all feeling confident.”
Sara recently changed position but her versatility has helped with her place in the squad.
The dedicated youngster trains with her club, Rangers, at their Auchenhowie facility as well as playing for the regional side.
But keeping busy is exactly what Sara wants to do and she said: “One day I would love to play for the senior Scotland team and hopefully for a team down in England too.
“I’m playing with Rangers right now but between training and playing there and training for the regional side at Ravenscraig it means I only have two nights off.
“But I love playing and I’m happy to play anywhere but I’m usually at centre back.
“I have been moved from centremid before as well but it’s just good to be involved with the Scotland teams.
“I’ve played at under- 15 and under-16 level and know a few of the other girls in the team because we’ve came through together.”
Sara’s guidance teacher, Laura Little, praised her for her hard work and admits she would love to play against her student one day.
Laura, from SFA Performance school Braidhurst High, said: “I play for Kilmarnock ladies and we could potentially play each other one day!
“But Sara has done amazingly well and we’re all delighted.
“She deserves it because she’s worked extremely hard and we’re all supporting her and the team for the next round of qualifying in March before, hopefully, making the finals.”