Caroline is ‘world-class’ and Erin has the ability to join her, insists Losa
Scotland Women’s head coach, Pedro Martinez Losa, believes Erin Cuthbert and Caroline Weir will be key players as his side attempt to qualify for a second successive World Cup.
The Scots took a step closer last Tuesday when Ukraine beat Hungary 2-0 in Group B.
That, along with the Dark Blues’ 4-0 win over the Ukrainians four nights earlier, guarantees Scotland will finish second behind Spain and go through to October’s play-offs.
The nine group runners-up will be trying to grab the final three European places for Australia and New Zealand next summer.
However, only two will qualify in October, with the third best going through to the inter-confederation playoffs in the host countries in February.
Scotland – who missed out on the European Championships, which kick-off this week –are one of the few countries who know for certain they’ll be in the October shoot-out, as none of the nine groups will be completed until the month before.
As things stand, Belgium, Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Wales and Bosnia are currently sitting second in the other groups.
The international retiral of Arsenal’s Kim Little just before Martinez Losa’s appointment last July has left Cuthbert and Weir as the players to inspire a repeat of France 2019.
“In the last year, Erin has transformed her potential into world-class performances for her club, and for us,” the Spanish head coach said of the Chelsea midfielder.
“She is still very young. So, in my opinion, she could be one of the top players in the world for the future, and we are very lucky to have her.
“We believe in her leadership ability and capability to play in the middle. But I also know she can play in another position.
“She has many attributes, but in our team, she has a big role to play in the midfield.”
Weir has left Manchester City, and was rumoured to be signing for Real Madrid on Friday but no announcement was made.
“Caroline is very independent on the ball, and a world-class player,” Martinez Losa pointed out.
“Players like Caroline and Erin are key for us, but we also want the rest to come up to that level.
“By improving the players just a little, we will see a massive improvement in the team.”
Scotland have one qualifier remaining, away to Group B minnows the Faroe Islands on September 6.