Scotland star Hayley Lauder says the team have a good European Qualification group - but must not underestimate countries like Iceland when the 2017 campaign starts in September.

Anna Signeul’s side have been drawn in Group 1 alongside Belarus, Slovenia, FYR Macedonia and top seeds Iceland who are ranked 20th in the World Rankings.

A narrow 1-0 defeat to FIFA World Cup qualifiers France in Nancy last week was further evidence of the team’s emerging abilities and Lauder reckons qualification for UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 is achievable.

Speaking to the Scottish FA she said: "As they go we got a good group but we can’t underestimate any of the teams. It will be hard travelling to all our opponents away from home, they’ll all be tough games. Iceland have always proved themselves at the top of women’s football so it’ll be a tough group but we have to give ourselves the best chance."

“France are a great team and are technically very good - but that’s what we expected. We defended well and we limited their chances. They're are an outside chance for the World Cup and I think we did really well against them.”

The Glasgow City winger was speaking at the Tesco Bank Football Challenge event at Hampden this week. 300 children from across Scotland gathered to play football on the famous pitch at the end of six weeks of coaching sessions - put on as part of the Scottish FA’s participation programme.

Lauder - who played at the National Stadium against Spain back in 2012 - says she was encouraged to see so many youngsters enjoying themselves:

"I was always out playing when I was younger. It’s great to see an event like this - giving people the chance to play at the National Stadium. Hopefully they’re old enough to appreciate that. You can see on their faces and with the noise that they are enjoying themselves.”

"First and foremost it’s great to get the kids out and active. If just one person joins a football team because of the event - it’s job done. For me it’s nice to see some little girls out there today and hopefully we’ve seen some Scotland women’s stars of the future.”
 

Former Scotland & Celtic star Paul Lambert was also at the event - read his thoughts on Scotland Euro 2016 hopes