Scotland manager Pedro Martinez Losa is looking to harness the talents of “world class” Caroline Weir as Scotland look to elevate the overall standard within the squad.
The 28-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive inaugural season in Real Madrid and signed a two-year extension to her existing contract with the Spaniards at the end of last month.
She will captain Scotland tonight against Northern Ireland at Dens with an anticipated 100th cap expected to be claimed when Scotland plays Finland on Tuesday evening.
Martinez Losa expects that there is still another level to come from Weir, who finished the season as Real Madrid’s top goalscorer with an exceptional haul of 28 goals across all competitions.
“She is definitely world-class at this moment in time,” said the Spaniard. “She is so hungry to improve herself and so dedicated. She is in position to go the very top level.
“We have had a few conversations about maintaining that level and she knows that is her challenge.
“There is more to come from her. There is no question that she is a world class player. We would like to take advantage of that for many more years.”
Central defender Rachel Corsie will miss both games after picking up an ankle injury with Kelly Clark, the Celtic captain, joining the squad. Lisa Evans and Amy Muir were also called in earlier in the week after the withdrawal of Claire Emslie.
And Martinez Losa is optimistic that he is creating a competitive culture around the squad as they prepare for the autumn Nations League campaign.
“At this stage of the season, though, we don’t want to take any chances [with Rachel],” he said.
“We had asked a few players to be on standby in case we needed them.
“I am happy to have Kelly back and I am looking forward to the opportunity to have a competitive squad. We know that we have good individual players but the challenge for us to raise the standard of the squad. The players have bought into that. They know that it doesn’t happen in one day.
“They know that every player who is called into the squad has an opportunity to play and in the starting line-up and make a contribution.” Northern Ireland made it to the European Championships last summer with Martinez Losa expecting a tough game this evening.
“They are a very solid team with a strong mentality and identity,” he said.
“It will be up to us to try and break them down which is a good test for us.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert has revealed that her Dad, Steve, will sing both national anthems tonight.
“My Dad is a big, proud Northern Irishman and I respect him for that because that is where he comes from,” she said. “I spoke to my Dad and he said it is the first time he will be supporting Scotland [against Northern Ireland] because I am playing. He will be singing both anthems, mind you!”
