Play-off final 'most important moment' for Scotland boss

Scotland made it past Hungary to set up a showdown with Finland

Leading Scotland to next summer's European Championship would be the "most important moment" of Pedro Martinez-Loza's career, says the head coach.

To reach the finals in Switzerland Scotland must overcome Finland in a play-off.

Scotland host the first leg at Easter Road on 29 November and visit Helsinki three days later, with the winners progressing to the tournament in Switzerland next July.

BBC Scotland will provide live TV coverage of the match in Edinburgh, with the return game to be shown on BBC ALBA.

"After nearly three years dedicated to working for Scotland, it would be the most important moment of my career," said Martinez-Loza.

"Not just from the professional perspective but from the personal. It’s the moment where you feel like just one more. I can't wait for that and hopefully we can arrive together at the objective."

Scotland defeated Hungary 5-0 on aggregate in their play-off semi-final, while Finland hit six over two games against Montenegro.

"I believe in my team," added Martinez-Loza. "We have shaped the character, determination and the energy. Confidence comes from preparation and this group is prepared.

"We are driven to represent Scotland and the fans and make them happy and to qualify for major tournaments.

"We have to respect Finland, who have played in four of the last five Euros, so they will probably expect to qualify.

"We are going to face a very difficult opponent who are at the same level as us but I am confident in my players,100%."

No Corsie, Clark & Cornet return

Just as they did against Hungary, Scotland must do without captain Rachel Corsie as the vastly experienced Aston Villa defender, 35, recovers from a knee operation she had in early October.

Celtic skipper Kelly Clark and Rangers midfielder Chelsea Cornet return to the squad, with Kathy Hill and Lauren Davidson dropping out.

Real Madrid star Caroline Weir returned for the games against Hungary after more than a year out with an ACL injury, taking the captain's armband in Corsie's absence.

Weir will be expected to form a strong midfield trio along with Sam Kerr of Bayern Munich and Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert.

"Players who play at the highest levels frequently and have the physical and mental demands they have the capability to recover from game-to-game and to travel and cope with the workload," said Martinez-Losa.

"They can respond in these key moments better. The ones who are not playing at that level are still going to be considered and we need to speak with their clubs and head coaches and to give us the squad we have."

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Eartha Cumings (Rosengard), Jenna Fife (Rangers), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)

Defenders: Jenna Clark (Liverpool), Kelly Clark (Celtic), Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Leicester), Rachel McLauchlan (Brighton), Emma Mukandi (London City Lionesses), Kirsty Smith (West Ham)

Midfielders: Chelsea Cornet (Rangers), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Lisa Evans (Glasgow City), Sam Kerr (Bayern Munich), Shannon McGregor (Celtic), Jamie-Lee Napier, Amy Rodgers (both Bristol City), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Claire Emslie (Angel City), Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), Brogan Hay (Rangers), Martha Thomas (Tottenham), Emma Watson (Manchester United)