Scotland continuity key as Shelley Kerr names first squad as coach

Published on: 23 August 2017

Shelley Kerr has taken over from Anna Signeul

Shelley Kerr has begun her reign as Scotland women coach by going for continuity in her first squad announcement.

Anna Signeul stood down following this summer's Euro 2017 finals, having spent 12 years as team boss.

Kerr, 47, who was manager of Stirling University men's team, has retained 19 of Signeul's finals squad.

But she has called up 20-year-old uncapped Hibernian midfielder Lucy Graham to face Hungary.

Kerr, who led Arsenal to two FA Cup triumphs, will take charge for the first time in the 14 September Budapest friendly as the Scots warm up for the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Manchester City striker Claire Emslie and Celtic goalkeeper Megan Cunningham earn recalls along with Graham's club-mate and fellow midfielder Rachael Small.

Graham scored twice and Small also found the net on Monday as Hibs began their Champions League Group 2 campaign with a 5-0 win over Swansea City in Romania.

Cunningham replaces Stjarnan's Gemma Fay, who had been Scotland captain but has retired from international football after a record 203 caps.

Vittsjo defender Ifeoma Dieke and Glasgow City midfielder Leanne Ross have also called an end to their Scotland careers in recent days.

Joelle Murray and Lucy Graham are among four Hibs players in the squad

Hibs defenders Rachel McLauchlan and Kirsty Smith, who both featured at the Euros in Netherlands, miss out on selection this time.

Seattle Reign defender Rachel Corsie and Manchester City striker Jane Ross, who were both injured during the finals, are included in the squad to face Hungary.

However, Arsenal midfielder Kim Little, Manchester City defender Jenny Beattie and forwards Emma Mitchell, of Arsenal, and Lizzie Arnott, of Hibs, remain sidelined after missing Euro 2017 through injury.

Former defender Kerr, who won 59 Scotland caps, began her managerial career with Kilmarnock before spells with Hibs, Spartans and Arsenal then became the first woman to take charge of a senior men's side when appointed by Lowland League outfit Stirling University in 2014.

She has previous international experience and was in charge of the Scotland side at the 2010 European Women's Under-19 Championship in Macedonia.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Megan Cunningham (Celtic), Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo)

Defenders: Rachel Corsie (Seattle Reign), Chloe Arthur (Bristol City), Joelle Murray (Hibernian), Kirsty Smith (Hibernian), Vaila Barsley (Eskilstuna United), Sophie Howard (1899 Hoffenheim), Frankie Brown (unattached)

Midfielders: Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Caroline Weir (Liverpool), Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City), Jo Love (Glasgow City), Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City), Lisa Evans (Arsenal), Lucy Graham (Hibernian), Rachael Small (Hibernian)

Forwards: Jane Ross (Manchester City), Lana Clelland (Tavagnacco Femminile), Claire Emslie (Manchester City), Fiona Brown (Eskilstuna United), Christie Murray (Doncaster Rover Belles)

Source: bbc.com

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