Pinatar Cup 2024
Philippines v Scotland
Saturday, 24 February KO 1.05pm (UK)
Pinatar Arena, Spain
The Scotland Women’s National Team will play their first fixture of 2024 this weekend when they take on the Philippines in the opening match of this year’s Pinatar Cup.
The tournament is taking place in Spain where Pedro Martinez Losa’s side will also compete either Slovenia or Finland in preparation for the European Qualifiers later this year.
Scotland are looking to bounce back following a tough UEFA Nations League campaign in ‘Group A’ last year whilst the Philippines go into the game following a 4-0 defeat in a friendly against Finland earlier this week. The Filipinas also qualified for their first major tournament in the summer. They secured a win 1-0 over FIFA Women’s World Cup hosts New Zealand but fell to defeat against Switzerland and Norway.
Team news
Jane Ross is back and ready for action following a lengthy injury lay off. Christy Grimshaw has suffered an ankle injury and has been replaced by Celtic’s Jenny Smith.
Chelsea Cornet, Leah Eddie and Hayley Lauder also return to the squad, whilst Amy Gallacher, Abi Harrison, Kirsty Maclean, Emma Mukandi and Rachel McLauchlan drop out.
Pre-match thoughts
Jane Ross on her return to the group: “It’s fantastic, I’m really enjoying being back, involved in the group again and being back on the training pitch with the girls.
“It’s something that was a goal of mine when I got injured and was going through the rehab was to get back and get selected again and obviously, I’m very honoured to be back.
“I’ve played with a lot of the squad before, two or three are new which is nice getting to know them and to be back with the girls that I have spent a number of years playing with already.”
Pedro Martinez Losa on the importance of this camp: “It’s about reconnecting, building the levels of confidence, the competition has been hard on us in many aspects in the last few months, but it is also about the players believing.
“That became very clear after one training session. I have also highlighted how good this group is in wanting to work and as humans. That is one of the biggest strengths of this squad and staff. That togetherness, that unity, that ambition to want to compete, that pride to play for Scotland – which was never in doubt.”
Previous meetings
Scotland ran out 2-1 winners in the first meeting between the two sides in February 2023. Goals from Lauren Davidson and Rachel Corsie secured the win in last year’s Pinatar Cup competition.
Where to watch
The match will be live on BBC Alba and BBC iPlayer
Scotland squad
Fiona Brown Glasgow City
Jenna Clark Liverpool FC
Chelsea Cornet Rangers FC
Rachel Corsie Aston Villa FC
Erin Cuthbert Chelsea FC
Lauren Davidson Glasgow City
Nicola Docherty Rangers FC
Leah Eddie Hibernian FC
Claire Emslie Angel City FC
Lisa Evans Bristol City FC
Jenna Fife Rangers FC
Lee Gibson Glasgow City
Kirsty Hanson Aston Villa FC
Brogan Hay Rangers FC
Sophie Howard Leicester City FC
Sam Kerr FC Bayern Frauen
Hayley Lauder Glasgow City
Sandy MacIver Manchester City FC
Jamie Lee Napier Bristol City FC
Amy Rodgers Bristol City FC
Jane Ross Rangers FC
Jenny Smith Celtic FC
Martha Thomas Tottenham Hotspur