Scottish Women's Football

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

While much of the talk this week has been about Rangers and Celtic potentially joining the WSL in future, bosses Jo Potter and Elena Sadiku are fully focused on the task at hand - the SWPL Cup semi-final.

According to reports, external, both sides of the Old Firm have held exploratory talks with the top flight down south.

"That's not my focus, that's not something I've been speaking about," Potter said as she prepares for Sunday's semi-final against Celtic.

"We've got full focus on Celtic in what is a big game for us."

Celtic head coach Sadiku shared similar sentiment: "I think if we talk about the WSL rumours, it's nothing we can focus on or should think about."

The rivals meet on Sunday with a spot in the first final of the SWPL season up for grabs.

Flash back to this time last year and Sadiku had just taken over as Fran Alonso's successor at Celtic. Her first task was an Old Firm showdown for a place in the SWPL Cup final.

Rangers edged that game 3-2 and went on to lift the trophy before making it a double with the Scottish Cup - but it was Celtic who took bragging rights in the league, winning it on the last day for their first Scottish women's title.

Visitors Rangers go into Sunday's showdown unbeaten in the past four Old Firm derbies, winning 3-2 in the most recent meeting in November.

"Any time we can step out winners and beat them it's always a bonus," said Potter. "We've managed to do it in our last league game so we've got to take confidence from it.

"These games always look slightly different because they bring a special spice to it."

And Sadiku can't wait for another crack at beating her rivals.

"I don't think the girls are fearing them, they're confident we can win against Rangers," she said.

"The Glasgow derby is different, there's a big history between us and them. There's more pressure, they mean more. It's a great game to experience and I love being a part of it."

Hibs host Aberdeen in second semi-final

Image source, Colin Poultney/SWPL

Hibs are serial winners in this competition with seven League Cup triumphs, and 12 final appearances, to their name.

No other team has won it more. Aberdeen, on the other hand, have never reached the final.

While it's been almost six years since Hibs contested - and won - their last League Cup final, current manager Grant Scott is calling on his players to write their names into club folklore.

"Our history is one thing but we need to make some new history now and this group is more than capable," said Scott.

Aberdeen manager Scott Booth lost two League Cup finals - both to Hibs - during his Glasgow City tenure and has endured a tough start in the Pittodrie hotseat as his side languish in the SWPL relegation zone.

But Booth has begun bolstering his squad, with Northern Ireland internationals Toni-Leigh Finnegan and Kerry Beattie joining the Dons - both should be available for Sunday's match.

"Ultimately, if you can stay in the game, if we can get that bit right, then you just never know, you can find yourself in a cup final," Booth said.

Watch live on BBC

Celtic v Rangers will be live on BBC Alba so you can watch all action on your telly, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. It kicks off at 16:10 BST.

We'll also have full live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app from 16:00, covering both matches.

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Celtic have signed Swedish winger Emma Westin on a deal until summer 2026.

The 26-year-old makes the switch from Hammarby, where she spent four years after returning to her homeland following a spell in the US.

Westin helped her side complete a Swedish league and cup double in 2023.

"It feels incredible to have signed for Celtic," the forward told club media, external.

"It's such a big club and just being around here and walking around all the facilities is amazing. I'm really happy to be here.

"Seeing the largeness of this club is something that excited me about moving to Celtic. I get a really good impression of Elena [Sadiku] and the rest of the staff."

Head coach Sadiku added: "Emma is a player that gives everything for the team. Her physicality and her technical abilities will help us both offensively and defensively."

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Aberdeen have signed Hearts and Northern Ireland striker Kerry Beattie on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old, who previously had a spell with Glasgow City, has netted two goals in 11 appearances for Hearts since arriving from Glentoran on a two-year deal last summer.

Beattie links up with Northern Ireland team-mate and fellow new arrival Toni-Leigh Finnegan at the Dons.

"I'm delighted to make the move to Aberdeen," Beattie said.

"It is important for me that I can get the game-time I need, I want to kick on with the national team as well.

"I can't wait to get started and hopefully I can hit the ground running."

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Glasgow City forward Sophia Martin has joined Montrose on loan for the remainder of the SWPL season.

The 17-year-old became the youngest Scottish women's player to sign professional terms in 2023 and has made 21 first-team appearances for Leanne Ross' side, although only one off the bench this term.

The Scotland youth international joins Craig Feroz's side as they look to keep their place in the top flight for next season.

Montrose currently sit ninth in the table and are outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Image source, Press Eye

Northern Ireland midfielder Toni-Leigh Finnegan has left Cliftonville to sign for Scottish side Aberdeen.

The 23-year-old, who can also operate in defence, has spent her senior career with the Reds after progressing from the club's academy.

She played an integral role as John McGrady's side won a domestic treble last season and completed an 'invincible' Women's Premiership season.

Finnegan has won 10 caps for Northern Ireland after making her debut in March 2020.

Scott Booth's Aberdeen side are 10th in the Scottish Women's Premier League table.

"I'm really excited to be at Aberdeen. It is a big move in my career, and I'm excited to get started and learn from Scott and the rest of the girls," she told the club's website.

"I feel like this is the natural next step for me."

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Hibernian striker Kathleen McGovern has been named SWPL player of the month for December.

The Scotland under-23 star scored three goals in the two league games Hibs' played, including a brace in a stunning 3-0 win over Rangers.

Her second goal in that match also earned her the goal of the month award, as her swerving shot found the top corner and wrapped up all three points for Grant Scott's side.

The 22-year-old has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and, with 14 in the league alone, sits fifth in the goalscoring rankings.

It is the second time this season that a Hibs player has won the award, after Abbie Ferguson picked up the accolade in August following a fine start to the campaign.

She beat competition from fellow nominees Carla Boyce of Partick Thistle, Erin Husband of Hearts, and Samantha van Diemen of Glasgow City.

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie has suffered a setback on her return from injury after picking up a calf strain.

The Aston Villa defender missed both sets of play-offs for the national team against Hungary and Finland after undergoing surgery on her knee.

The 35-year-old was on track to make her return to Villa's squad this weekend as the Women's Super League resumes after the winter break, but her stint on the sidelines will continue after feeling a niggle in her calf last week.

"The knee is feeling really, really good, but unfortunately, I picked up a bit of a calf injury at the end of last week," Corsie said on the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast.

"I was primed and almost due to be back in the squad for this weekend, so that was really, really disappointing but it's one of these things.

"Calves are quite often tricky, and age plays into that too. We're probably only five days on from first feeling it so this first week, it's important to try and be as slow as possible and let it heal. That'll give me the best chance to try and be out for as little time as possible.

"I hate doing as little as possible so the last couple of days have been a challenge."

Corsie went under the knife at the beginning of October and admitted it's been "a tough journey".

"The knee has been really tough, it's been so frustrating," she added.

"I've had a lot of knee surgeries, a lot of rehabs but I've always found with rehab, it's a process of diligence and hard work and that gets you there, but this time there was a lot of additional pain. It's been a real tough journey.

"I finally got to a place where I felt really, really good and that was really nice and then I've just picked up this little niggle. Hopefully not too long, but unfortunately back on the treatment table."

Listen and subscribe to the Behind the Goals podcast with Rachel and Leanne here

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Jeni Currie (Partick Thistle): Yes she conceded four goals, but she was by far the most tested goalie this weekend. She was brave at times putting her body on the line keeping Celtic's attack at bay. But for her, Celtic would have won this one more comfortably.

Chelsie Watson (Motherwell): Proved a real threat from set pieces, two headers from two corners, as the defender helped her side to a comfortable win over Dundee United.

Laura Rafferty (Rangers): Under little pressure against Queen's Park, but when called upon she did her defensive job well. Composed on the ball, and was comfortable playing out from the back with some effect.

Emma Lawton (Celtic): Her energy and determination shone through yet again. After setting up Celtic's first goal, her desire to keep the ball helped Celtic scored their vital second goal.

Lizzie Arnot (Rangers): Provided plenty of energy down the left, and was a real threat all afternoon. Her deliveries were bang on the money and as well as three assists, she grabbed a goal too.

Michaela McAlonie (Hibs): Her goal was an absolute beauty, showing both confidence and skill. Plenty of grit in the middle of the park too, she showed great desire to win the ball, then produced a lovely pass to set up Hibs' sixth.

Brenna Lovera (Glasgow City): Worked tirelessly all afternoon, proving a real handful, and was rewarded with two goals.

Brogan Hay (Rangers): Was such a threat on the flank, driving forward all afternoon. She was key in two goals, providing the assists, and fully deserved her goal.

Berry (Motherwell): Scored a hat-trick although it could have been more. Had a penalty saved, but her three goals were key for Motherwell and their top six ambitions.

Nicole Kozlova (Glasgow City): Set the tone for City with two quick goals. She showed good vision and execution for her opening goal.

Saoirse Noonan (Celtic): Scored Celtic's opener after finding a good position, but it was her second that was crucial in this match, as she put Celtic back in front and calmed the nerves. It was a well taken hit as she spun Demi Falconer and finished off well.

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Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "We should have kept a clean sheet, we had 22 box entries and only scored four.

"I think they created chances on our mistakes which is what we need to fix, we're a bit too slow with the ball sometimes which gave them chances they shouldn't get.

"Overall we wanted to win and we won, I don't think it was good enough because I think we can do so much more."

Partick Thistle manager Brian Graham: "We knew coming here we were going to have to suffer without the ball but it was about having the structure and trying to counter-attack.

"To my girls' credit they didn't put their heads down, they tried to rally and got a second goal."

Image source, Colin Poultney/SWPL

Dundee United manager Suzy Shepherd: "We've struggled the first 20-25 minutes and gone a few goals down but we changed the shape and I thought we looked a lot more comfortable.

"There were a lot of positives, especially in the second half, to take.

Motherwell manager Paul Brownlie: "It was a strong performance, I thought we totally dominated.

"I thought the players were first class today. There was a real rhythm to our play, we were really good with the ball and created numerous opportunities."

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Glasgow City assistant manager Leanne Crichton: "The objective at this stage of the season was the three points and add some goals which we managed to do. Every player across the pitch was at the full intensity we were looking for.

"From middle to front we've got real strength and depth. I think our standards slipped, I'd have liked to have seen a 90-minute performance based on the opening 20 minutes."

Aberdeen manager Scott Booth: "It was a tough game, we knew it would be. I thought outwith a 15-minute spell where we lost four goals I felt like we competed really well against them.

"The players were playing for each other and making sure we kept the score down."

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Hibernian manager Grant Scott: "We've been trying to start matches with a real intensity and it was pleasing to see us take the chances when they come.

"If we can keep not losing games I'll be delighted, we've conceded fewer goals than we've done for a number of years now and we've got threats up front so hopefully we can keep winning matches."

Spartans manager Jack Beesley: "The first half was really disappointing, yes the scoreline but mores o we didn't look anything like ourselves. Once they go a goal or two up you're hopefully damage limitation.

"I was a bit surprised, I didn't see that performance coming from us. Having said that I thought Hibs were very good but we also contributed heavily to our own downfall."

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Rangers manager Jo Potter: "The energy levels were up 200% from our last game which we knew we needed. When you have a lot of options in possession it can sometimes be difficult to pick the right option but I think nine times out of 10 we did that.

"We don't want to have another blip and we know we have to lift our levels again next week."

Queen's Park manager Iain Robinson: "We spoke to the girls before the game, we knew how difficult it would be.

"I felt in the first half we didn't match them but we prevented them from playing as much as we could.

"These games will not define our season but it's the attitude towards the game which will define what happens for us for the rest of the season."

SWPL fans, were you at any of the games on Sunday or following the action from home? Either way, we want your views on a free-scoring return to the top flight.

Have your say, external

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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After a three-week winter break, the SWPL gets back up and running on Sunday.

One fixture - Hearts v Montrose - has succumbed to the freezing weather, but five are still set to go ahead. Here's what to look out for...

Ellie Kane in a Thistle shirt

Last season's SWPL 2 top scorer Ellie Kane played a huge part in helping Queen's Park win promotion and, before her injury, got off to a cracking start in the top flight.

Now she's getting back on the pitch and has swapped black and white for red and yellow with a move to Partick Thistle. With Carla Boyce and Cara Henderson finding their stride for Brian Graham's side, it'll be interesting to see where Kane sits in the pecking order at Petershill.

Rangers looking to bounce back

It was a disappointing end to 2024 for Jo Potter's side, losing back-to-back matches 3-0 having conceded just 10 in the 15 previous games.

Rangers' loss to Glasgow City was compounded by a shock home defeat to Hibs. That left the Ibrox club five points behind leaders City and Potter will expect an emphatic response when her side visit Queen's Park on Sunday.

Sadiku's milestone

Sunday's game against Thistle will mark 12 months to the day since Elena Sadiku took charge of Celtic. She replaced Fran Alonso and went on to lead the Glasgow side to their first SWPL title.

As a result, she's had to contend with a hectic schedule, juggling Champions League with domestic games which has proved challenging as her side sit fifth in the SWPL, nine points off the top although with two games in hand.

The second half of the season could be the acid test of the Swede's managerial credentials.

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Aberdeen have signed Ellie May Cowie on a one-and-a-half year deal from Dundee United.

The midfielder spent half a season with the SWPL strugglers after a 15-year spell with St Johnstone and netted her first top-flight goal against the Dons earlier this season.

Cowie goes straight into Scott Booth's squad for Sunday's game against Glasgow City.

"It feels amazing to be here," the 23-year-old Dons fan told club media, external.

"I am really excited to get started, and my family are all really excited about this move as well.

"I think I am ready for the next step. I love to get forward, and I am quite versatile. I like to score goals, get assists, and I want to help the team in any way I can."

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Queen's Park host title hopefuls Rangers to kick off the SWPL's 2025 action on Sunday. You can watch that game (12:30 GMT) live on the BBC Sport website and app.

Follow all five matches with our live text commentary, which gets under way at 12:15 on the BBC Sport website and app.

The final game of the day sees Celtic host Partick Thistle, live on BBC Alba as well as the BBC Sport website and app. Coverage begins at 16:00 before the action gets going at 16:10.

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Queen's Park have appointed Iain Robinson as their new head coach.

The former Rangers women Under-17s manager replaces Craig Joyce, who departed the club last month.

Robinson has coached at a number of clubs including Morton and Partick Thistle men's teams.

David Brownlie, who worked with Robinson at Rangers, joins the Spiders as assistant coach.

The pair will take charge when second-bottom Queen's Park host second-place Rangers on Sunday as the SWPL resumes after the winter break.

"I am really looking forward to getting started at Queen's Park," Robinson said.

"I've always had ambitions to lead and work at the top of the women's game and Queen's Park are a great club to fulfil that dream.

"The challenge, which I realise will be difficult, is to stay in SWPL1. I believe that if we can get the basics right, then we have a real possibility of staying in the division."

Image source, Getty Images

Hearts defender Emma Ilijoski has joined fellow SWPL side Aberdeen on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Australian, 22, signed for the Edinburgh club last summer, but has made only four first-team appearances and moves in search of regular minutes.

"I'm very excited to be here at Aberdeen," Ilijoski said.

"It is definitely a new challenge, and I want to learn as much as I can from my teammates and the coaching staff as well. I am really looking forward to getting started and playing my part to help the team for the remainder of the season."

"Emma has not enjoyed as much game time as she would've liked, but this is a great opportunity for her to gain valuable minutes in the SWPL," Hearts head coach Eva Olid said.

"Aberdeen have a good style of play and a great reputation for developing players. I hope Emma will benefit from this, before returning to the club in the summer."