Shelley Kerr delighted by return of key players ahead of Algarve Cup

Scotland take on Canada and Iceland in the group stage of the competition

Published 13th Feb 2019

Kim Little is among Scotland's 23-player squad for the Algarve Cup that starts later this month.

Arsenal midfielder Little is back in the international fold for the first time since suffering a fractured fibula in October.

There is also a return for new Bristol City signing Abi Harrison, who was last in a Scotland squad in January 2018.

And captain Rachel Corsie is back after the defender missed last month's friendlies against Norway and Iceland in La Manga due to club commitments. Utah Royals' Corsie has been playing for Canberra United in Australia's W-League.

Shelley Kerr said, "It's great having our captain and vice-captain back, Rachel Corsie and Kim Little, they both have huge leadership skills.

"That's so important, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well".

Scotland will be taking part in the Algarve Cup for the first time since 2002 as their build-up to their World Cup finals debut this summer continues.

Their group games in the tournament in Portugal see Shelley Kerr's side face Canada on March 1 and Iceland three days later.

Asked about the challenge they face, Kerr said, "There's some really, really top teams.

"Out of the twelve teams we're ranked ninth, so it tells you a lot about the magnitude and the quality of the teams that will be participating".

At the World Cup in France, they are in Group D along with England, Japan and Argentina.

Scotland squad:

Goalkeepers: Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Jenna Fife (Hibernian), Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo GIK)

Defenders: Chloe Arthur (Birmingham), Jen Beattie (Manchester City), Frankie Brown (Bristol City), Rachel Corsie (Utah Royals), Nicola Docherty (Glasgow City), Emma Mitchell (Arsenal), Joelle Murray (Hibernian), Kirsty Smith (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Lizzie Arnot (Manchester United), Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City), Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City), Kim Little (Arsenal), Jo Love (Glasgow City), Christie Murray (Liverpool), Caroline Weir (Manchester City)

Forwards: Fiona Brown (FC Rosengard), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Claire Emslie (Manchester City), Abi Harrison (Bristol City), Jane Ross (West Ham United