Signeul happy to hand over baton to another woman

FINLAND-bound Anna Signeul believes her job as Scotland head coach should go to another woman – all things being equal.

The post was advertised last Wednesday and the closing date is a week on Friday.

Speaking after announcing her squad for next month’s Cyprus Cup tournament, Signeul, who departs after Euro 2017, said: “I don’t have a preference for a woman or a man because I think the best person should get the job. However, if it’s between two I think the woman should get it. There are so few opportunities for women to get a full-time post.

“We need role models to encourage more women to become coaches and it is still very difficult for women to get jobs in men’s football. When it starts to get very common to get these opportunities then it doesn’t matter, because you can mix it.” The Swede’s squad for the four-game Cyprus Cup is along entirely predictable lines.

Captain Gemma Fay and Hibernian defender Kirsty Smith will make the numbers up to 23 if they prove their fitness next week.

Regardless of whether Fay makes it, there is likely to be an opportunity for her Glasgow City team-mate Lee Alexander to get her first Scotland cap. The goalie is the only uncapped player in the squad.

There is also a place for 18-year-old teenager Erin Cuthbert. The midfielder made a huge impression against Denmark last month, scoring her first full international goal in a 2-2 draw.

Manchester City striker Jane Ross could reach 100 caps and 50 goals during the tournament, which opens with group games against New Zealand, Korea Republic and Austria. She stands on 98 and 47 respectively.

Signeul will take up the position of Finland head coach after Euro 2017.