City approach Euro task with 'big confidence'

Europa Cup last 16: Sporting Club v Glasgow City

Where: Stadium Aurelio Pereira, Alcochete When: Wednesday, 19 November Time: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch live on the BBC Sport website & app and the BBC iPlayer

Head coach Leanne Ross believes Glasgow City's "drive" on and off the pitch can propel them to a Europa Cup quarter-final.

The Petershill side are in Lisbon to face Sporting Club on Wednesday in the second leg of their last-16 tie, which is poised at 1-1.

"We're doing really well to make sure we can keep fighting on this front," said Ross from City's training base.

"It's testament to what we have here at this club, and the drive and energy of everyone behind the scenes, to make sure we give the players the best fighting chance possible."

City's 6-1 win at Montrose on Sunday ensured they maintained a six-point lead over Hearts at the top of the SWPL.

There were five different scorers at Links Park and Ross believes it is a sign of the competition within a squad hungry not only to win the SWPL for the first time since 2023, but to make real inroads in Europe.

"There's a big confidence within the squad at the moment," said Ross.

"The players want to play in this team and they know that to do that they need to be performing in games and in training. They push each other all the way and really enjoy the football they're playing at the moment.

"It's been a great start to the season but that's all it is; a start. We need to keep focusing on the things we're doing well and keep trying to improve the things we know we need to be better at."

Ross added that watching Scotland's men play a crucial World Cup qualifier will be part of their schedule in Portugal on Tuesday.

"We'll be training this evening but we're hoping to get back in time for kick-off and we'll definitely be supporting the boys," she said.

"Hopefully we can get the result we need to take us to the World Cup."