WE CAN NOT LOSA SIGHT OF OUR GIRLS
SCOTLAND manager Pedro Martinez Losa insists clubs need to protect players from the scrutiny that will come from greater exposure of the women’s game.
Speaking after Joey Barton – with 2.8million followers – took to social media to mock 17-yearold keeper Ava Easdon who is at the club on loan from Glasgow City, Martinez Losa voiced his support for the Scotland youth internationalist.
Ex-Ibrox men’s flop Barton had rounded on the youngster after a mistake for the opening goal of a game that Rangers went on to win 4-1.
It prompted a show of support from senior players within the Scottish women’s game with Rachel Corsie and Rangers captain Nicola Docherty speaking up in the teenager’s defence.
“For me, it is part of the progress of the visibility of the game,” said Martinez Losa.
“I have seen this kind of scenario before. What we have to do is concentrate on supporting the player.
“She’s doing everything she can, she is a talented player who is playing for the youth national teams and is doing well for Partick Thistle.
“I don’t think it should happen. But the next level will bring all of us to more exposure, more criticism, more opinions.
“What we have to do is support her and get her to stay focused on what she has been doing well.
“We have to work with young players especially to make sure we can protect them.”
Meanwhile, Martinez Losa has called up Celtic striker Amy Gallacher for the opening double header of Scotland’s European Championship qualification campaign.
They kick off the campaign away to Serbia next week before hosting Slovakia four days later.