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Home town debut for Rachael Small

Thursday, 12 July 2012

Women’s International Challenge Match
Cameroon v Scotland
Sunday 15th July 2012, kick-off 3pm
Chris Anderson Stadium, Aberdeen Sports Village

Scotland international Rachael Small is making Sunday’s match against Cameroon in Aberdeen a family affair.
 

Playing in her hometown has given the Forfar Farmington defender the ideal opportunity to share international success with her relatives.
 

“It’s great that we are playing in Aberdeen because normally I have to travel across the country to Glasgow and Edinburgh,” she said.
 

“This means my whole family can come and see me play.”
 

With Kim Little and Ifeoma Dieke away on Team GB duty and under-19 stars Eilish McSorley and Lana Clelland receiving their first call-ups, there will be a new dynamic when the squad meets.
 

Rachael (20) said: “I’m looking forward to meeting up with all the girls and meeting the new members of the squad.
 

“Friendlies offer the ideal opportunity to get to know players’ style and, of course, to hone our fitness.”
 

The Aberdeen Sports Village is the venue for Sunday’s game and Rachael said she was thrilled to be playing and training at such a facility.
 

“It’s a top-notch facility with all the latest technology in the gym,” she said.
 

“The Scotland squad won’t be disappointed.”
 

Cameroon are using the Granite City as their base duringthe Olympic Games and impressed in their 2-0 win over Northern Ireland recently.
 

Rachael said: “I watched that game and were impressed by Cameroon’s athleticism and intricate 1-2 plays.
 

“They will be a good test for us.”
 

Confidence is high amongst the Scots following their six point collection from Israel and Republic of Ireland in last month’s UEFA 2013 European Championship qualifiers.
 

Up next on the road to Sweden, host of next summer’s tournament, is Wales and France in September.

“I think we have a good chance of securing a play-off spot but the Wales match is vital as they still have a chance of a play-off spot too,” Rachael said.
 

“To qualify for a major tournament for the first time would be an incredible achievement and there is no reason why we can’t.”