Fleeting set to return for Scotland

Thursday, 04 February 2010

Scotland Women’s all-time highest scorer, Julie Fleeting MBE, is set to return to international duty after the birth of her first child.

Julie could pull on the dark blue jersey for the first time in 16 months, fitness permitting, at the Cyprus Women's Cup challenge tournament at the end of February.

Julie is free to make her Scotland return after the Scottish FA board passed a landmark ruling allowing the Arsenal striker’s young daughter to accompany her on national team duty.

This is the first time that a member of one of the national squads has requested such dispensation, and now young Ella and a childminder will accompany Julie and the squad as part of a pilot scheme, which will be reviewed after a year.

Many leading nations in women’s football, including England, the USA and Norway, allow mothers to take their children while representing their country.

Julie said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that I’ll be available for selection as soon as I’m back to full fitness. There’s absolutely no reason why becoming a mother should stand in the way of a sporting career, and I’m delighted that the Scottish FA has made this forward-thinking decision.

"I hope to be on the plane to Cyprus at the end of the month, but whenever I'm selected, I can’t wait to meet up with my team mates again and do everything we can to get Scotland to the next World Cup."

Scotland Women’s national coach, Anna Signeul, said: “Julie is one of the finest players that Scotland has ever produced, and of course we can’t wait to welcome her back into the squad.

“When Julie made the request, the Scottish FA considered all of the implications, and I think we've reached a sensible conclusion that suits everyone involved.

“Our current crop of players have great spirit and have made an excellent start to the World Cup campaign. Julie is a top player and a big character, and I’m sure that the dressing room will be boosted further by her return.”

Scotland Women compete in the Cyprus Women’s Cup from 24 February – 3 March 2010 www.cypruswomenscup.com

The next World Cup qualifier is away to Georgia on 27 March, with a home match against Bulgaria on 1 April.