Jenna’s taking a lead role
Rangers keeper Jenna Fife reckons the new crop of Scot tish women pro players will be role models for future generations.
Scotland’s participation in last summer’s World Cup in France is thought to have boosted the number of players by a fifth.
And Fife is delighted there is a new pathway to the top for the game’s stars.
Celtic and Rangers have streamlined their women’s teams into a professional structure this season in a bid to challenge Glasgow City’s dominance.
And Fife, 24, said: “It feels like a really privileged position we are in.
“I would never have expected this was a chance that would be offered in Scotland.
“I always thought that if professional football was an option then it would mean leaving the country so this feels amazing. Hopefully we can go on and be successful now.
“Growing up all my role models were in the men’s game. I didn’t know of any women players and it wasn’t something I saw as a viable career option.
“We can be role models for younger girls and encourage more to start playing football.
“Coming into a full-time environment has been brilliant.
“We are training more but I am sure I will feel the ef fects of that going through the season and I am sure we will feel fitter.”
Fife has been called into Shelley Kerr’s Scotland squad for the Pinatar Cup in Spain next month.
Scotland face Ukraine on March 4 before taking on Iceland then Northern Ireland inside a week.
She is keen to add to her four caps and said: “Shelley is delighted at two Scottish clubs moving professional.
“Hopefully it really elevates the standard.”