For the ninth year out of the last 10, Anna Signeul’s Scotland squad are out in the sunshine for the Cyprus Cup.

The tournament has always been a staple in the SWNT fixture list but this year it takes on added importance.

Four games in eight days is as intense as it gets and will be ideal preparation ahead of Euro 2017 where the players will be tested physically and mentally.

The tournament contains 12 teams split into three groups.

Each team’s final group placing will determine who they play on Wednesday 8 March where their final position in the tournament is confirmed.

In the past Scotland’s highest finish has been fourth place.

Ahead of the opening match against New Zealand tomorrow, Anna Signeul said: “Being over in Cyprus is really exciting as it is something different for the players because at the moment they are in pre-season and going through some gruelling schedules.

“For the next week or so, we will be playing matches against some top teams in warm weather.

“Mentally, this is a treat for them.”

Scotland have been drawn in Group B alongside Austria, Korea Republic and New Zealand with Anna making game time for players a priority.

She said: “The target for this tournament is to maximise playing time for everyone and keep up the competition in the squad.

“We need to continue to work on our style of play and be defensively as strong as possible as we showed frailties in that aspect at the start of both games against Denmark.

“We know we can score goals but we have been conceding goals easily in recent games and most have them have happened because of our mistakes.

“When we play in the Euros, just one goal could be devastating.

“We want to compete well and use the games to become better so we’re not really targeting a certain place.

“The squad is looking good but we have a few niggly injuries. Rachel Corsie has a small calf injury so we’ll just need to monitor that closely along with Gemma Fay and Kirsty Smith. While Ifeoma is struggling with a stomach bug.”

One player who will be hoping for a starting place is Emma Mitchell. If she does play, it will be her 50th appearance - something she would be delighted about.

24-year-old Arsenal left-back Mitchell said: “My Scotland career didn’t get off to the best of starts with a 2-1 loss against France where I gave away a penalty.

“I was only 18 at the time and I can’t believe I’m now approaching 50 caps. 

“It’s not something I was really focussing on but once I reach it, I’ll be looking to play 100 times for my country.”

Cyprus Cup 2017 fixture schedule

Scotland v New Zealand, Group B

Wednesday 1 March 2017, A. Papadopoulos, Larnaca

Kick-off 2.30pm (12.30pm UK time)

Scotland v Korea Republic, Group B

Friday 3 March 2017, GSP, Nicosia

Kick-off 5.30pm (3.30pm UK time)

Scotland v Austria, Group B

Monday 6 March 2017, Makario Stadium, Nicosia

Kick-off 5.30pm (3.30pm UK time)

Placing match

Wednesday 8 March 2017, kick-off TBC

Cyprus Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Gemma Fay (Glasgow City) 196 caps

Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo GIK) 19 caps

Lee Alexander (Glasgow City) 0 caps

Defenders

Kirsty Smith (Hibernian) 17 caps

Jennifer Beattie (Manchester City) 104 caps

Frankie Brown (Bristol City) 79 caps

Rachel Corsie (Seattle Reign) 87 caps

Ifeoma Dieke (Vittsjo GIK) 114 caps

Emma Mitchell (Arsenal) 49 caps

Joelle Murray (Hibernian) 38 caps

Midfielders

Leanne Crichton (Notts County) 44 caps

Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea) 4 caps

Lisa Evans (FC Bayern München) 53 caps

Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City) 80 caps

Kim Little (Arsenal) 119 caps

Joanne Love (Glasgow City) 173 caps

Christie Murray (Doncaster Rovers Belles) 42 caps

Leanne Ross (Glasgow City) 126 caps

Caroline Weir (Liverpool) 31 caps

Forwards    

Lizzie Arnot (Hibernian) 8 caps

Fiona Brown (Eskilstuna United) 11 caps

Lana Clelland (UPC Tavagnacco) 12 caps

Jane Ross (Manchester City) 98 caps