This week the Scotland Women’s National Team have kick-started their Euro 2017 preparation in earnest with a warm weather training camp in Cyprus.
The squad arrived on Monday evening and have been training intensely ahead of the first of two games against Denmark on Friday afternoon at 3pm (1pm UK time).
The match will be played at the GSZ Stadium in Larnaca with the game streamed live
They will then take on the Danes on Monday morning at 11am (9am UK time).
Reflecting on how the week has gone so far, Anna Signeul said: “The training camp has been going very well.
“It’s been extremely busy as we’ve been focusing on so many different things because we want to set goals and standards for the group so that we can be the best we can.
“The more work we do here, the better we’ll be in the summer.”
Explaining the reasoning behind playing the same side twice and her team selection for the next two games, she said: “At this time of the year, lots of teams go away to different places and it’s good to have Denmark over in Cyprus with us.
“We’ve both got the same aim of readying ourselves for the Euros so I think Denmark will be doing similar to us, in terms of switching up their team selection for the games.
“In these games and also the games in the Cyprus Cup we will be giving all players the opportunity to impress.
“Not everyone will get equal playing time but it’ll give everyone a chance for game time as we look to choose our starting 11 for the Euros.
“We have selected 23 players for this training camp as it is the same amount allowed in The Netherlands.
“It’s important that we have a consistent group from the beginning so we’re all on the same page.”
The last time Scotland took on Denmark was back in August 2010, when the match ended 0-0 in Vejle.
“We’ve not played too many games against Denmark in the past but they’ve all been pretty tight matches,” Anna said.
“Technically they are very good and similar to Spain and Portugal. They are different to other Nordic countries and very creative.
“Defensively we had problems against them so we’ll be looking to iron them out over the two games.”
22-year-old Claire Emslie is back involved in the Scotland set up for the first time since 2013 when she was involved in a 3-2 win over Iceland.
Since then she has been studying in America but now the girl from Penicuik is now back in Britain and helped Bristol City to promotion last season.
She has settled in with the squad this week and hoping for game time over the next four days.
The attacker said: “I am really enjoying life in Bristol at the moment and had a successful six months with them.
“When I was over in America with my soccer scholarship I was dreaming about playing for Scotland again. Seeing them qualify for the Euros was so inspiring and made me work even harder.
“I’m loving being in camp and seeing people like Caroline (Weir) who I grew up playing with at Hibs.
“I’m looking forward to taking my chance if it comes my way and prove myself to Anna and all my other teammates too.”
Match Details
Denmark v Scotland
Friday, 20 January 2017, 3pm (1pm UK time)
GSZ Stadium, Larnaca, Cyprus
Denmark v Scotland
Monday, 23 January 2017, 11am (9am UK time)
Paralimni Municipality Stadium, Cyprus
Scotland Squad
Goalkeepers
Gemma Fay (Glasgow City) 195 caps
Rachel Harrison (Fortuna Hjørring) 0 caps
Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo GIK) 17 caps
Defenders
Jennifer Beattie (Manchester City) 102 caps
Frankie Brown (Bristol City) 77 caps
Rachel Corsie (Seattle Reign) 85 caps
Ifeoma Dieke (Vittsjo GIK) 112 caps
Emma Mitchell (Arsenal) 47 caps
Rachel McLaughlin (Hibernian)
Midfielders
Leanne Crichton (Notts County) 42 caps
Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea LFC) 2 caps
Claire Emslie (Bristol City) 1 cap
Lisa Evans (FC Bayern München) 52 caps
Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City) 79 caps
Kim Little (Arsenal) 117 caps
Joanne Love (Glasgow City) 172 caps
Christie Murray (Doncaster Rovers Belles) 41 caps
Leanne Ross (Glasgow City) 124 caps
Caroline Weir (Liverpool) 30 caps
Forwards
Lizzie Arnot (Hibernian) 6 caps
Fiona Brown (Eskilstuna United) 9 caps
Lana Clelland (UPC Tavagnacco) 11 caps
Jane Ross (Manchester City) 96 caps