Scotland v Kazakhstan
Tuesday, 5 April – 7pm
Ainslie Park

Scotland v Estonia
Friday, 8 April – 1pm
Ainslie Park

Kosovo v Scotland
Monday, 11 April – 3pm
Falkirk Stadium

Scotland Women’s Under-19s kick-off their UEFA Women’s Under-19 EURO Championship League B campaign on Tuesday, with the aim of winning promotion back to League A at the first time of asking.

Our fixtures open with a test against Kazakhstan at Ainslie Park on Tuesday, 5 April, before we take on Estonia on Friday, 8 April – also at Ainslie Park. Finally, we head to the Falkirk Stadium on Monday, 11 April to face Kosovo.

Entry to all three matches is free for all fans, with the games also being streamed live across the Scotland National Team social media channels.

We caught up with Head Coach Pauline Hamill ahead of the campaign beginning, as she looks forward to the games.

“I think there’s a lot to be excited about, going into these games and by this group of players, in general.

“As much as the overriding goal is to qualify for the finals, our goal for the week is to develop our style of play and improve. When I look at the squad list, we have a lot of players who are really Under-18s and can play in another campaign.

“When you work in cycles across the younger age-groups, that’s encouraging because it means they’ll accumulate a lot of experience and be even better for that next time around.

“I’m also heartened by the regular game-time that a good few of the players are getting in their first teams, as that can only be of benefit to them. We’re trying to play our part, but there’s a lot of good work being done by the clubs as well and it has to be a team effort.

“First and foremost, the players are playing for their country and their team-mates, but it’s also a good chance for them to make an impression as individuals and they’ve all sacrificed to even get to this stage.

“A couple of them have had the experience of training with the senior Scotland squad and the more of them who can do that, the better. It’s so difficult to get into the national team now, so any opportunity Pedro has to get them in should be seized on by the players.

“If they have a positive experience and come back into our group and share that, that’s brilliant.

“It lets the player see that the pathway is there. It’s not that far away for them and there are some very good players in our squad who should be aiming high. Knowing them as people, I know the hunger is there to prove themselves.

“I’m pleased to be hosting this stage of qualification, as it gives family, friends and people within the clubs the chance to see them in action. These are the people who have supported the players on a daily basis. They’ve given up so much of their time to help shape them.

“I want the players to embrace it and enjoy every minute it. Everyone in the stand is desperate for them to do well. It should inspire them.”

Rachael Johnstone Q&A

Celtic goalkeeper Rachael Johnstone won her first senior Scotland call-up for the recent Pinatar Cup campaign and hopes to put a few of the lessons learned to good use with the Under-19s.

Rachael, now you’ve had time to draw breath, how do you reflect on your first Scotland call-up?

I look back and I am just extremely grateful for the opportunity I had. I learned a lot over the course of the training camp and there was a lot I could take back to Celtic and now the Scotland Under-19s. I’m extremely happy with how it went, and I thought I did myself justice, but it was more about the things I picked up along the way.

What stands out?

I think seeing the professionalism of some world class players up close was beneficial. I saw – day in, day out – the little things they did to make sure they were in the best condition they could be to train and play. Someone like Jen Beattie is the ultimate professional. It wasn’t like I was studying them, but you couldn’t help but notice little details, like what they were eating. It clearly all adds up. The tactical side was also more intense, in a good way.

It must fire you up to catch the eye again?

First and foremost, I want to do well for Pauline, my team-mates and Scotland. It’s not about personal ambition when you’re representing your country. Having been in that environment, I know I want to be back there and to do it consistently. That only comes if I’m doing well for Celtic and in games like this. Tegan Bowie’s been in the squad before as well and she’ll maybe agree, but it does help with your confidence to know that you’re on the right track. I didn’t once think, before I was asked in, that I would be on Pedro’s radar. It’s only one camp, so there’s no chance I’ll get carried away, but it was special all the same.

We saw the Men’s Under-17s come through their Elite Round stage last week to qualify for the Euros in Israel. What would it mean to follow in their footsteps?

It would mean so much to qualify. The girls all work really hard day in, day out. You’re working towards giving yourself the best chance to capitalise on opportunities like this. It’ll sound boring but I just want to focus on each game as it comes because it’s each three points that takes you closer to where you want to be. It would be a dream to play for Scotland in any sort of finals tournament. I remember watching the senior team in the World Cup and I was gripped. It’s an amazing feeling whenever you pull on the Scotland shirt and that would be another level.

Are you looking forward to having a home crowd to cheer you on?

Definitely. Having a home crowd adds an extra layer of pressure, but that’s what you want to bring the best out of you. It’s something we should be looking to use in our favour. It’s great that the games are going to be streamed by the Scottish FA as well, so more people can see them. I’m really looking forward to it. This might be the first time my Dad’s had the chance to see me play for Scotland, which would mean a lot. He’s a music teacher across different schools in Lewis, so the fixture schedule’s never compatible with that. I think I'd be quite emotional to see him and my Mum in the stand.

Scotland Squad

Eilidh Adams Hibernian
Aimee Anderson Heart of Midlothian
Tegan Bowie Celtic
Jess Broadrick Aberdeen
Tegan Browning Heart of Midlothian
Bailley Collins Aberdeen
Shona Cowan Heart of Midlothian
Addie Handley Heart of Midlothian
Bayley Hutchison Aberdeen
Rachael Johnstone Celtic
Leila Lister Reading
Rebecca McAllister Heart of Midlothian (on loan from Celtic)
Maria McAneny Heart of Midlothian (on loan from Celtic)
Robyn McCafferty Spartans
Grace Mitchell Bristol City
Niamh Murphy Manchester United
London Pollard Motherwell
Eva Thomson Aberdeen
Kenzie Weir Everton
Alicia Yates Spartans

Withdrawn from squad: Hannah Jordan (Rangers)