Scotland 'can't make excuses' for Austria defeat

Scotland will not be making any excuses for their opening Nations League defeat by Austria, says Kirsty Hanson.

With a new interim head coach and new faces in the door, it was the start of a new era for Scotland women.

Fans hoped to see a change in approach as caretaker boss Michael McArdle made 10 changes to the squad from the agonising Euro 2025 play-off defeat by Finland - but what they saw on the pitch was an all too familiar story.

Hanson was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise dull night in Austria. She carved out a couple of good opportunities at 0-0 but could not find the net.

"I'm really disappointed in myself," the striker said.

"I had two chances and I didn't finish them. It's about small margins at this level. So I'm obviously really frustrated with myself."

After 14 minutes, the Lilli Purtscheller goal went in, and a flat Scotland performance fell even flatter.

To make things worse, they lost Sophie Howard to injury after just 21 minutes. Rangers' Leah Eddie stepped up in her place to bring the average age of the back four down to just 23 and a half. They held on until half-time with just a one-goal deficit, despite spending much of the first 45 minutes with their backs to the wall.

Scotland improved in the second period and looked capable of salvaging something but Austria regained their hunger and saw out a solid win, without adding to their tally.

The visitors handed first caps to Eilidh Adams, Frey Gregory and Emma Lawton while Amy Muir made a first start.

"We know what it's like and obviously not much has changed about the starting XI," Hanson added. "A few new faces, but we're obviously a whole squad and we helped the young ones coming in, the debuts.

"So, it might take some time, but we can't obviously use that as an excuse. We know what it's like. We always put 100% in and we just want to play good football."

Kirsty Hanson threatened early on for Scotland in Austria