Stuart McLaren has named his Scotland squad for two upcoming friendlies in June.
The side goes against Northern Ireland and Wales in warm-ups for World Cup Qualifying. On the list are a mixture of experienced internationals as well as four fresh faces. Brianna Westrup, Leah Eddie, Eartha Cummings and Christy Grimshaw will all be hoping to receive their first cap for their country. Veterans Martha Thomas, Lisa Evans and Jen Beattie are all ruled out due to injury. Emma Mitchell will also be unavailable after announcing her pregnancy earlier in the week.
The rookies at a glance
California-born Westrup will be aiming to fill in for Beattie, and cement her name in the squad for the September World Cup qualifiers. The central defender claimed eligibility through her Scottish mother, who was born in Dundee. After signing for Rangers in October from Newcastle, Westrup has captained the Glasgow side to some tremendous results. She was also awarded Player of the Year at the club this season.
21-year-old Cummings will join up with the squad after representing her country at youth level. Both herself and Eddie impressed as youngsters. Eddie has caught the eye of McLaren this season at centre-half with her defensive composure. She made a year-long comeback from an ACL injury, and claimed this season’s Hibernian Player of the Year award.
Lastly, Grimshaw will join up with the Scotland squad from Italy, where she represents AC Milan. Grimshaw represented Aberdeen and then the University of Miami before her move to Milan. She took part in last night’s Coppa Italia Final against Roma, but her side unfortunately lost on penalties.
Tanya Oxtoby will be a new face around camp as she is set to join McLaren and Leanne Ross in the coaching department. The former Perth Glory player will be marking her return to football after giving birth to her first child.
Fixtures
Northern Ireland v Scotland
Seaview Stadium, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Thursday, 10 June 2021, kick-off 7pm
Wales v Scotland
Parc y Scarlets, Llanellii, Wales
Tuesday, 15 June 2021, kick-off 7.15pm
