As Scotland prepare to take on Iceland in an international friendly double-header this week, we catch up with goalkeeper Ava Easdon on what life is like coming through the Scotland National Team youth ranks as she settles into her first Scotland Women’s Under-23s camp.

Looking ahead to this week, Ava said: “I can’t wait for it. It’s obviously a big jump from the Under-19s but I’m really looking forward to seeing what it’s like. It’s a different group of players as well which is a new experience. I want to learn as much as I can from everyone so it’s a great opportunity for a young player to come into.”

Ava joined camp with fellow Scotland youth teammates Lisa Forrest and Fallon Connolly- Jackson who are also making the transition from the Under-19s squad, she admits that the familiarity helps to settle any nerves: “I’m so glad that we can all go through this stage together as it just gives us a little bit more confidence to look around and see some familiar faces that have always been there. It’s great because we’re so close, we’re all really proud of each other.

“It also really helps having Mick, Nic and Michael in the coaching staff to as they know us so well and they know how to get the best out of us.  The goalkeeping coach, Shannon Lynn, is so important for me. We’ve all worked together throughout the Under-19s so it’s a huge advantage.”

Reflecting on her relationship with coach Shannon, Ava said: “I know I can go to her with anything, and we know what to expect from each other. It helps so much. Lee Gibson is a mentor for me too because I train day in day out with her at club. She does a bit of coaching so she knows exactly what to help with and she’s also a great role model with the number of international caps that she has as well as club appearances. I know if I ever need anything, I can turn to Lee and she’s always there for me.”

The Under-23s were last in action in Pinatar in February but this week’s opposition is a familiar task for Ava: “I’ve played against Iceland a few times already at the other age groups. They are always really big teams who pose a very physical threat, so we’ll be expecting much of the same. They have a great set up and are always composed and hard to break down, but we’ll be ready for the challenge.

“Playing against top opposition like this is so important as you’re testing yourself at the elite level. You can see it with the Under-19 and Under-17s and how much progress we’ve made by securing ‘League A’ status consistently. We now have the belief that we can compete against the top teams so we just need to do it on a regular basis.”

Match details:

Thursday, 29 May

Scotland v Iceland

Falkirk Stadium, 3pm KO

Monday, 2 June

Scotland v Iceland

Falkirk Stadium, 3pm KO

How to watch: Both games are free entry and will be streamed live on Scotland National Team YouTube channel.

Scotland squad:

Eilidh Austin                    Rangers (on loan to Motherwell)

Georgia Brown                University of South Florida

Tiree Burchill                 Partick Thistle

Fallon Connolly-Jackson   Sheffield United

Morgan Cross                 Celtic

Ava Easdon                     Glasgow City

Lisa Forrest                     Glasgow City

Monica Forsyth               Heart of Midlothian

Bayley Hutchison          Heart of Midlothian

Kayla Jardine                   Heart of Midlothian

Rosie Livingstone          Hibernian

Maria McAneny              Celtic

Jodi McLeary                   Rangers

Emily Mutch                    Motherwell

Charlotte Newsham    Charlton Athletic

Jenna Penman                Motherwell

Eilidh Shore                     Heart of Midlothian

Jenny Smith                     Celtic

Charlotte Wardlaw        Newcastle United

Chloe Warrington          Glasgow City