Sophie Howard and Vaila Barsley have been called up to the Scotland women’s squad for the first time.

Both qualify to play for the country through their relatives and are named in the squad ahead of the match away to Belgium on Tuesday, 11 April. 

Centre back Vaila Barsley, aged 29, was born in England and her mother is Scottish. Playing in Sweden for Eskilstuna United, she is teammates with Fiona Brown and has played for England Under-17s in the past.

23-year-old Sophie Howard plays for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and the German born defender is eligible for Scotland through her Scottish grandfather.

Anna Signeul said: “It is exciting for Vaila (Barsley) and Sophie (Howard) to be included in the squad for the first time. 

“They are both very good quality players and important members of their respective club sides.

“We’ve looked at Vaila for some time and she has been doing well in Sweden.

“Sophie Howard is young and promising, playing at a good level in Germany.

“They are both really excited and honoured to represent Scotland and we’re looking forward to having them with us.”

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers

Gemma Fay (Glasgow City) 197 caps

Lee Alexander (Glasgow City) 0 caps

Shannon Lynn (Vittsjö GIK) 23 caps

Defenders

Frankie Brown (Bristol City) 84 caps

Kelly Clark (Celtic) 0 caps

Ifeoma Dieke (Vittsjö GIK) 117 caps

Nicola Docherty (Glasgow City) 11 caps

Kirsty Smith (Hibernian) 21 caps

Sophie Howard (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim) 0 caps

Vaila Barsley (Eskilstuna United) 0 caps

Midfielders

Leanne Crichton (Notts County) 48 caps

Claire Emslie (Bristol City) 2 caps

Lisa Evans (FC Bayern München) 57 caps

Lucy Graham (Hibernian) 0 caps

Christie Murray (Doncaster Rovers Belles) 45 caps

Leanne Ross (Glasgow City FC) 129 caps

Caroline Weir (Liverpool) 35 caps

Forwards

Lizzie Arnot (Hibernian) 12 caps

Fiona Brown (Eskilstuna United) 15 caps

Lana Clelland (UPC Tavagnacco) 12 caps

Jane Ross (Manchester City) 102 caps