European Championship 2017: Draw tough for Wales - Fishlock

Fishlock returned to the Wales squad for two friendly matches against Slovakia in Bangor

Seattle Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock says Wales have been handed a tough draw in the 2017 Women's European Championship qualifiers.

Wales have been drawn in Group 8 along with 2013 runners-up Norway, Austria, Israel and Kazakhstan.

"Norway and Austria are going to be difficult and Israel and Kazakhstan are extremely difficult places to go and play," Fishlock told BBC Wales Sport.

"It's a difficult draw for us."

Fishlock added: "But it's a draw we can be positive about because the top two go through."

The eight group winners will qualify automatically for the finals in the Netherlands, which will feature 16 teams.

Six runners-up will also qualify with the remaining two second-placed sides facing each other in a play-off, and the qualifying campaign begins in September.

"We have to make sure we're ready for this group and we make a good start," Fishlock added.

"I remember in the last Euros we didn't make a good start and it cost us in the end.

"We have to make sure come September we're 100% prepared for the first game and start the campaign well.

"It's going to be a long campaign and I definitely feel we can be excited and we have a chance to qualify."

Wales' Euro 2017 qualifiers

22 September, 2015

Austria v Wales

23 October, 2015

Norway v Wales

26 November, 2015

Wales v Kazakhstan

1 December, 2015

Israel v Wales

12 April, 2016

Kazakhstan v Wales

7 June, 2016

Wales v Norway

15 September, 2016

Wales v Israel

20 September, 2016

Wales v Austria