Rachel Harrison ‘delighted to be back’ after return to Scotland squad for Iceland, Norway tests

Guest columnist Scottish Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick: “I sensed a genuine euphoria in the country when the Scottish women qualified”

Scotland boss Shelley Kerr has named her squad for two upcoming friendlies against Norway and Iceland in La Manga, Spain.

Kerr has several key players unavailable through injury including Arsenal’s Kim Little, while skipper Rachel Corsie has remained with Canberra United in Australia. Lee Alexander, Emma Mitchell and Sophie Howard are also absent.

However those not in Spain will still get their chance, the coach explained:

“There are players that have been in the squad, out the squad and then have come back in. It is going to be on merit.

“We have a window in February and March where we will go to Algarve Cup, we have another international window in April and then a pre-camp before we go to the World Cup.

“We will constantly be out there looking out at all the players. The message to the critical mass of players we are looking at, it is going to be about attitude, performance and application and players that are form.

“It is up to myself and the rest of the coaching staff to get out there and constantly look and scrutinise how the players are doing.”

Spartans goalkeeper Rachel Harrison returns to the squad for the first time in two years and could win her first cap. Bristol City midfielder Lucy Graham also returns to the squad.

Harrison told Prost International:

“I am delighted to be back in amongst the squad, and hopefully I can put in a good performance in training, and impress the coaches before the World Cup.”

Scotland lost 3-0 to Norway at the same venue one year ago so this game will be a good measure of how far her side have progressed.

Scotland play England, Argentina and Japan in their group, with an opener against the Lionesses, the group seeds, on June 9th in Nice to open their campaign.

Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Fife (Hibernian), Harrison (Spartans), Lynn (Vittsjo GIK).

Defenders: Arthur (Birmingham City), Beattie (Manchester City), Frankie Brown (Bristol City), Docherty (Glasgow City), Murray (Hibernian), Smith (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Arnott (Manchester United), Crichton (Glasgow City), Graham (Bristol City), Lauder (Glasgow City), Love (Glasgow City), Murray (Liverpool), Weir (Manchester City).

Forwards: Fiona Brown (Rosengard), Clelland (Fiorentina), Cuthbert (Chelsea), Emslie (Manchester City), Evans (Arsenal), Ness (Durham), Ross (West Ham United).