Scotland Women’s Under- 23s Preview | Jodi McLeary

Scotland v Germany

Thursday, 8 October | 7pm KO

Prestonfield Park | Linlithgow

Admission | Free

Netherlands v Scotland

Monday, 12 October | 7pm KO

Stichting Juliana Sportpark, Gravenzande

Scotland Women’s Under-23 midfielder Jodi McLeary believes that a sense of freshness will help the side build confidence and results as the young team return to action.

The 21-year-old was selected by Head Coach Angie Hind as part of a 20-player squad to face Germany and the Netherlands, with the midfielder citing that Hind has already had an impact since taking over in the summer.

“Angie’s been new to the role and there are a few new staff members, as well as some new players, so it brings with it freshness and excitement.

“As soon as we came in, you could see what she’s already about. She’s so positive, and the style of play that she wants to achieve is something that really suits this group.” She added “it’s a really attacking style of play and hopefully one that we can all benefit from.

“We’ve only had a few sessions under her so far, and it’s been so positive. So, I’m looking forward to more under her leadership.”

Jodi has always relished the opportunity to perform at club level, and her impressive run of form with Rangers this season has helped build her confidence ahead of international duty.

For McLeary, the key is to remain true to herself and focus on delivering the performances she knows she is capable of.

“When you are performing well at club level, it always helps with confidence when you come into a new environment with a different set of girls.

“It’s an honour to be selected, but you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t play well at club level,” she continued. “Coming into this environment, it’s about trying to be myself and give what I know I’m capable of. When I do this, I know that I’ve done my job as best as I can.”

The Under-23s face the tough test of Germany and familiar opposition in the Netherlands. In their most recent camps, the Under-23s faced France and Denmark, losing by slim margins in both games.

McLeary knows that both opponents will provide a tough and demanding test and that these games, too, could come down to the fine margins.

“That’s what happens when you play against top opposition, but we come into this camp feeling good.

“It’s going to be tough, but we’re really looking forward to it. Under this new system, it’s one the girls will be eager to impress and do well in,” McLeary added. “They’re games that we can go and try to get a good couple of results under our belt.”

The two fixtures will provide an early opportunity for Hind’s side to test themselves against high-quality opposition while also putting the new ideas and style of play into practice.

With McLeary’s confidence running high and faith in her teammates abundant, she believes they could close the camp with some cracking results.

“We’re Scottish, so we back ourselves against anyone.”

Preview by Louise Davidson

Scotland Women’s Under-23 squad:

Eilidh Austin Rangers

Laura Berry Rangers

Tegan Bowie Parma Calcio

Tiree Burchill Hibernian

Erin Clachers Glasgow City

Mason Clark Motherwell

Fallon Connolly-Jackson Rangers

Abbie Ferguson Southampton