Scottish Women's Football

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Scotland manager Pedro Martinez Losa

"It was a proper team performance.

"From the staff for the preparation, the challenges coming here in July for the players and the responsibility from them to make sure they'd done the proper preparation and also working together.

"On the pitch, I was really proud of the way we performed, it was a good result. Not conceding goals was key for us, we're top of the group and we created a lot of chances. You have to be happy with winning a competitive game and the girls playing good football.

"This team has mental robustness to face the challenges on and off the pitch and also the mental resilience to face the challenges that happen from time to time.

"That is what we have been wanting to build, not making excuses, putting in the performance here and against Israel. Now we go onto Serbia."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Nitra, Slovakia

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"I'm excited for what's to come, you need to watch out for her."

Kirsty Hanson is not the only one to be impressed by Mia McAulay.

After her breakthrough season with Rangers, the 17-year-old earned her first call-up to the national team earlier this week and could make her debut tonight in Nitra.

With goals in domestic cup finals and Old Firm derbies, the youngster has never shied on the big occasion, and while Hanson hasn’t come up against her, given she plays down south in the WSL with Aston Villa, she has already seen why everyone has a buzz about McAulay.

“I’ve obviously heard of her from Rangers, there are a few exciting wingers and players coming in but she’s came in and fitted right in perfectly,” Hanson told BBC Scotland. “I knew she would, we’re a really tight-knit group so we welcomed her straight away and I think she feels comfortable – well I hope she does!”

A fellow winger, Hanson welcomes her introduction and competition and has relished the opportunity to be a bit of a support network in McAulay’s maiden days in camp, knowing herself how daunting that can be.

“I like to encourage young players because I’ve been there and struggled as a young player especially when you’re around big and experienced players, so I’ve just encouraged her when she’s done something well, I’m like ‘oh well done’,” she added.

“I like competition as well, I want her to push me and I want to push her and I want her to get her debut hopefully very soon, because what she’s been doing in training is really, really good.

“She’ll be a really exciting prospect to come and I want to help her because she can score the goals, provide that excitement for the fans and I just want to help her. I’m excited for what’s to come, you need to watch out for her.”

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Glasgow City have signed Polish international midfielder Natalia Wrobel on a three-year deal.

The number 10 joins City from Danish side Brondby.

Wrobel made her senior international debut back in 2021 and since then has been capped 19 times for Poland, scoring twice in those outings.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Nitra, Slovakia

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"When you get Martha in that good place, she's unstoppable."

Given Martha Thomas has eight goals in her last four games, team-mate Kirsty Hanson can say that again.

Along with Claire Emslie, the Scotland front three have been firing on all cylinders, with seven goals among them in the last two games.

But Thomas' record didn't make such kind reading just a matter of games ago. At the turn of the calendar year, the Spurs striker's international stats read as 11 goals in 32 games.

But her move to the London club from Manchester United at the start of last season has brought her "happiness" back, according to Hanson.

“They’re obviously in good form, Claire is smashing it out in the NWSL, Martha is scoring loads for Spurs and I think they both believe in me and I believe in them," Hanson told BBC Scotland.

"If I put the good crosses in for them, they’ll score and I just need to make sure I do the same for them.

"It’s just nice, we work well off one another, we encourage each other, we really speak positively to each other and I think that’s really helped us on the pitch and off it.”

“I know Martha had a tough time, but that season just there she really found her happiness and smile again.

"It just shows when you get Martha in that good place, she’s unstoppable and we know that as a team. If we get the crosses in, she’ll get it, she’ll score no matter what."

Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa says their Euro qualification job "is not finished yet" even though they're guaranteed a play-off place before their final two games.

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Pedro Martinez Losa wants Scotland to deliver another high-level performance against Slovakia on Friday night (18:00 BST).

The Scots are top of their Euro qualifying group with three wins and a draw so far, but Martinez Losa challenged his team to be ruthless in their two remaining fixtures.

"In the last camp we were more clinical in the final third but that’s not something you can assume is going to happen all the time," Martinez Losa said.

"We just have to go one step at a time and face the scenarios.

"Slovakia are playing for everything tomorrow because they need a point at least or three to still have options of being in the play-offs, so as much as we can have a feeling of part of the job is done, the job is finished when it’s finished.

“For us, it’s a new opportunity to prove ourselves, to prove the level of the team, to prove that we can be competitive in this context again and the more we repeat, the more we can feel the reward of doing a good job, I think the mentality and the development of the team will progress."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Nitra

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Pedro Martinez Losa caught up with BBC Scotland ahead of Scotland's penultimate Euro 2025 qualifier against Slovakia on Friday.

Here are the key points he made:

• Scotland will have to "adapt and be ready" for the challenge the unusual heat in Nitra will present on Friday night.

• The head coach insists his side have "reached decent levels" in the campaign, but is calling for "consistency and repetition of the good moments".

• While Scotland found their "clinical edge" in the last camp, the Spaniard says "that is not something you can assume is going to happen all the time," though his side do lead the group on goal difference.

• Finishing top of Group B2 and ensuring promotion to League A in the Nations League would "would be a great motivation because it gives you that feeling of being unbeatable in one way, being solid," he said.

• Martinez Losa has urged Mia McAulay to "represent Scotland in the same way Jane Ross does" as the 17-year-old replaces the injured striker.

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Brighton have announced the arrival of Rachel McLauchlan after her departure from SWPL side Rangers.

The 27-year-old spent three seasons with the Glasgow outfit having previously had spells with Aberdeen, Hibs and Glasgow City as well as Yeovil Town south of the border.

"We’re delighted to welcome Rachel to the club," Brighton's managing director of women’s and girls’ football Zoe Johnson told the club website, external.

"She’s an experienced player who’s competed in cup finals and the Champions League, as well as on the international stage for Scotland.

"She’s developed her career in the last few seasons with Rangers and we’re looking forward to seeing her thrive in the WSL."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Nitra, Slovakia

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There's a severe high temperature warning in place here in Nitra, and one can vouch it's needed.

It's in the mid-high 30s at peak time, but still in the high 20s or low 30s during the night. Not comfortable for sleep.

One can't imagine it's comfortable to play in, either, but Scotland will have to do just that tomorrow evening (18:00 BST).

A few members of the squad are used to playing in the heat - Claire Emslie out in Los Angeles and Sam Kerr in Munich - but the bulk are much more familiar with being drenched by ridiculous rain, not sweltering sweat.

It's another challenge Pedro Martinez Losa's side will have to overcome, but they've handled every hurdle in front of them in this qualifying campaign so far exceptionally well.

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Grant Scott has provided an update on the Hibs squad as they prepare for their first pre-season friendly.

Eilidh Adams and Rachael Boyle are both back on the training pitch with striker Adams returning from a broken foot that she sustained back in March.

Boyle hasn't featured for Hibs since February 2023 when she ruptured her ACL shortly after returning from maternity leave.

Rosie Livingstone will take a little longer to return, and she may miss the start of the season with a back injury.

"Eilidh Adams and Rachel Boyle are back on the pitch," the manager told club media.

"Still a little bit limited but it's good to see them away from purely gym and conditioning work so that's positive.

"Rosie Livingstone we've had to be very careful with her, it being a back issue but she seems to have recovered this time a lot better than the last.

"We're just waiting for the go ahead, she'll probably miss the first part of pre-season, maybe the start of the season while we get her up to speed but she's a lot closer than we expected at this point so it's really positive for her."

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Left-back Addie Handley has committed to Hearts for the 2024/25 season.

The 19-year-old missed the back end of last season, including Hearts' historic cup final at Hampden, after sustaining an injury.

"Firstly, I’m delighted Addie has committed to another year with us," manager Eva Olid told club media, external.

"It was very disappointing that she picked up an injury towards the end of the season, as she was in great form at the time and was playing a huge part in what was a successful time for the team.

"Addie has some great attributes. She’s versatile and very quick. For someone so young, that versatility is rare, but it’s a huge benefit to the team.

"It’s almost three years that she’s been with us here at Hearts and in that time, she has developed a lot. I look forward to her returning to training and continuing her development with us here at Hearts."

Image source, Partick Thistle WFC

Partick Thistle have signed former Aberdeen keeper Jennifer Currie on a permanent deal.

The shot-stopper played a vital role in helping the Dons comfortably secure their place in the SWPL for the coming season but opted to move on from the club.

"I'm really happy to be a Partick Thistle player," Currie, who has also spent time with Hibs, Hearts and Hamilton Accies told club media., external

"From speaking to Brian it’s clear the ambition he has for the team and that has shown every time I’ve come up against Thistle in the past.

"It’s a team who are so together and clearly fight for each other on the pitch and I wanted to be part of that and part of the way the club are trying to grow."

Manager Brian Graham added: "Jen is a player I’ve admired for a number of years. She has played well against us so often in the past, so it’s great to finally have her on our side and welcome her to Partick Thistle.

"I thought it was important to make sure we had a permanent goalkeeper this season and Jeni was our number one target.

"She’s an experienced, commanding goalkeeper who is a fantastic shot-stopper."

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Rangers winger Mia McAulay has bagged her first senior Scotland call-up and could make her full international debut against Slovakia on Friday.

The 17-year-old replaces Jane Ross in Pedro Martinez Losa's squad for their Euro 2025 qualifiers against Slovakia and Serbia.

McAulay, who was a standout performer in Rangers' cup double-winning side last season, has featured heavily for Scotland at youth level.

"I am delighted to have been selected for Scotland senior for the first time - it is a proud moment for me and my family," the teenager told club media.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play for my country at this level and I hope to get the chance to show people what I can do in these matches."

Manager Jo Potter added: "I am extremely delighted that Mia has been called up to the Scotland A squad.

"It is more than deserved and a just-reward for all her hard work throughout the last campaign and start of pre-season, her development as well as willingness to learn has been fantastic.

"It has been a long time coming and I am excited to see her continue to progress and I am sure this experience will only benefit her moving forward."

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Glasgow City have signed Dutch defender Samantha van Diemen from Fortuna Sittard on a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old featured at every youth level for the Netherlands and has also earned three senior international caps.

"I was planning to go find some heat in Spain or Italy but Glasgow City came along and so I decided this was the right move for me," the centre-back said.

"I was really convinced about the club's plans for this season, how the team are going to play, which I think will really suit me as a player, but also how beautiful a place Glasgow was to live in. I’ve only seen a little bit of it so far, but I can see why people think that.

"I’ve never won a title before, that’s why I came here. I want to win trophies."

Head coach Leanne Ross added: "The signing of Sam, a centre-back with an impressive club and international resume, as well as a bright and promising future in the game, is a real coup for the club.

"Her playing style and personal qualities align perfectly with our ambitions and values, and I am excited to see what she can achieve in her Glasgow City career."

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Lisa Evans says Scotland are desperate for another taste of an international tournament.

The Scotland winger made the trip over to Germany to join the Tartan Army for the Euro 2024 opener and says the experience strengthened her resolve to reach a major tournament herself.

Pedro Martinez Losa's side face Slovakia and Serbia in their final Euros qualifiers for next year's tournament in Switzerland.

"A few of us were over in Germany and it was unbelievable." Evans said.

"Just being part of the Tartan Army and seeing things from that perspective, it makes you so proud to be Scottish.

"The boys gave everything they could but I think it gives you more motivation to be at a major tournament.

"We've come close ourselves, we've had a taste of playing at a Euros and a World Cup and it's something that we want to do more than anything so I think that's our main focus."

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Glasgow City have signed Dutch defender Kimberley Smit from Eredivisie side Excelsior Rotterdam.

The 24-year-old centre-back, who won the Belgian title with Anderlecht in 2023, joins Leanne Ross' side on a deal until summer 2026.

"The club's impact on the Scottish women’s game is something that I find really exciting and it's an honour to be playing here this season," Smit said.

“Leanne and [chief executive] Laura [Montgomery] talked to me and explained the club's background, that the club is just for women and that whole story is very cool.

"Along with the way the club wants to play, I felt like I needed to come here.”

Head coach Ross added: "Kimberley attracted my attention not only due to her defensive attributes but also her impressive skills in possession.

"Her positioning, pace, aerial ability, and determination to regain the ball will add to the strength of our defensive unit, while her confidence to take the ball under pressure will support the team to build out from the back."

Skipper Rachel Corsie says Scotland must "leverage" home advantage for their final Euro 2025 qualifier against Serbia.

The Scots are currently top of their group, joint on points with Serbia, who they face at Firhill Stadium next Tuesday.

First up in the closing double-header is a trip to take on Slovakia on Friday.

"It is an awkward time because most of us are in off-season or the early stages of pre-season," Aston Villa defender Corsie told the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast.

"I can't really remember this being a window that's been used in the past.

"Everyone's in a similar boat. It's awkward, the preparations aren't ideal because a lot of us aren't in a weekly schedule that builds to a game at the weekend.

"I've not had too much downtime. I've not actually had loads of time off because of the last international window in June.

"It's exciting because it's the last two games of the group. We've come in at the pole position.

"We'll be looking to finish top of the group, having home advantage for the last game we'll need to leverage in our favour."

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Dundee United captain Rachel Todd has swapped tangerine for claret and amber.

The left-back joins Motherwell after three seasons at Foundation Park having previously captained SWPL2 side St Johnstone.

She netted eight goals for United last season and captained the side to a play-off victory over Kilmarnock to retain their SWPL status.

"I'm delighted to have joined the club," Todd told club media, external.

"Paul [Brownlie] and Leanne [Crichton] really expressed their interest in bringing me to the club early over the summer and their vision for the future really attracted me to Motherwell.

"I am excited to get started and can't wait for the season ahead."

Manager Paul Brownlie added: "We identified Rachel as a key target during the previous season and have been working to get this over the line for many months.

"Earning the captaincy at both Dundee United and St Johnstone emphasises how important Rachel has been to both her previous clubs. A natural leader, Rachel will really develop our squad fort he season ahead."

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The improvement in the SWPL encouraged new Hearts recruit Lauren Wade to return to the Scottish top flight.

The midfielder left Glasgow City back in 2020 but has been keeping an eye on the game in Scotland since her departure.

Wade, who left Reading to join Eva Olid's side last week on a two-year contract, told HeartsTV: "I've been no stranger to be watching what's been happening.

"The way the league is going and what the clubs are doing, it's definitely up and coming in women's football.

"I played in the Scottish league a number of years ago and compared to where it is now, the league is making strides."

Wade is relishing a fresh challenge at Hearts as Olid's side attempt to build on last season's fourth-place finish and Scottish Cup final apperance.

"After speaking with [head of recruitment] Sean [Burt] and Eva, the vision that they have for the club, where they want the team to be, was something I was excited to hear and really wanted to be a part of," she added.

Brian Graham says Partick Thistle need to endure a tough pre-season if they want to compete with the teams at the top of the league.

Thistle were 7-0 winners in their opening pre-season friendly against St Johnstone on Sunday.

"It's [pre-season] been very challenging but the players have shown great attitude towards it," the manager told club media, external.

"They've really tried hard. If we want to try and compete against better teams in the league then we know we need to be extremely fit, especially to compete against the full-time teams.

"It's been challenging for them and It's only going to get harder."

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