Shelley Kerr has named her squad for the upcoming double header against Belarus and Albania as the World Cup Qualification campaign kicks-off.

Scotland are aiming to reach their first World Cup after recently playing in Euro 2017 over the summer.

Hibernian goalkeeper Jenna Fife is included in the squad for the first time with fellow club mates Rachael Small and Lucy Graham also called up for the second successive squad.

After missing out on Euro 2017 through injury, Jenny Beattie and Emma Mitchell are back involved.

Both played in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Arsenal at the weekend where Emma Mitchell scored for the Gunners.

The match against Albania in Paisley is free entry for all supporters with a bumper crowd expected.

Ahead of the matches Shelley Kerr said: “As a coach you want the games to come thick and fast so to have two matches coming in quick succession is really positive.

“We’ve gone through our philosophy with the team but we’re now ready for the competitive games and picking up points in our group.”

On the inclusion of Jenna Fife for the first time, Kerr said: “Jenna has been involved in our national youth squads and the technical and tactical side of her game has really improved over the years.

“She has impressed for Hibernian of late and really deserves her call-up.”

Kerr also spoke of her delight at Jenny Beattie and Emma Mitchell being available again after recovering from injury.

She said: “Both Jenny and Emma are both really experienced defenders and competing at a very high level, playing in highly competitive matches.

“They’ve been out injured for a wee while so it’s a huge boost to have them back involved for the World Cup qualifiers.”

Scotland Women’s Squad

Goalkeepers

Lee Alexander (Glasgow City) 1 cap

Jenna Fife (Hibernian) 0 caps

Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo GIK) 25 caps

Defenders

Rachel Corsie (Seattle Reign) 92 caps

Chloe Arthur (Bristol City) 8 caps

Jennifer Beattie (Manchester City) 106 caps

Joelle Murray (Hibernian) 45 caps

Kirsty Smith (Hibernian) 24 caps

Sophie Howard (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim) 4 caps

Emma Mitchell (Arsenal) 51 caps

Rachael Small (Hibernian) 29 caps

Midfielders

Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea) 12 caps

Caroline Weir (Liverpool) 42 caps

Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City) 55 caps

Jo Love (Glasgow City) 181 caps

Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City) 87 caps

Lucy Graham (Hibernian) 1 cap

Forwards

Lisa Evans (Arsenal) 64 caps

Jane Ross (Man City) 108 caps

Lana Clelland (UPC Tavagnacco Femminile) 19 caps

Claire Emslie (Man City) 2 caps

Fiona Brown (Eskilstuna United) 22 caps

Christie Murray (Doncaster Rovers Belles) 49 caps

 

FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Belarus v Scotland

FC Minsk, Minsk

Thursday 19 October, 2017, kick-off 4pm (UK time)

Scotland v Albania

Paisley 2021 Stadium, Paisley

Tuesday 24 October, 2017, kick-off 7.30pm

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.