Clelland ready to fill big guns’ boots as Scots chase victory

SCOTLAND are likely to turn to Lana Clelland to find the goals they need in tomorrow’s must-win game against Portugal at the Sparta Stadion in Rotterdam.

Manchester City striker Jane Ross, who is her country’s second-highest scorer of all time with 50 international goals, is out of tomorrow’s match and Thursday’s Euro 2017 Group D finale against Spain after damaging shoulder ligaments in Wednesday night’s 6-0 loss to England.

Third-top scorer Kim Little, who has 48 goals, is only at the Euros as a pundit due to an ACL knee injury, so former Spartans striker Clelland, who now plays in Italy, is expected to lead the attack.

The 24-year-old UPC Tavagnacco player, who was top scorer with 23 goals in 22 games when the Serie A Women season concluded in May, has scored once in 16 appearances for Scotland, albeit most of those came as a substitute.

“I’ve always felt I’m a natural goalscorer,” she said. “In the last few years I’ve maybe lacked fitness because of injuries, but I’ve really come into my own this year and next season I hope to score even more.

“I’ve really put in the work and I’m glad it’s starting to show.

“I was happy to get on the pitch against England and was just disappointed I couldn’t give more as it was 3-0 when I came on. I’ve grown up so much since moving to Italy.

“We’ve just signed a Slovenian player, but for two years I was the only non-Italian in the squad and I surprised myself how easily I picked up the language.

“I had offers from other clubs in the league after finishing top scorer, but I’ve agreed terms with Tavagnacco for the new season.”

Reminded that the onus is likely be on her score against Portugal instead of two players with 98 goals between them, Clelland replied: “These are big numbers of goals and big boots to fill, but I’m confident in my own ability if called upon.”